Brucellosis in cattle

Brucellosis is considered one of the most dangerous infectious diseases of a chronic nature for both animals and humans. Cows and sheep are most susceptible to it. Farms and enterprises where an outbreak of this disease has been recorded are subject to quarantine .

What causes brucellosis in animals

The causative agent is  gram-negative bacteria Brucella.  There are 6 types of them, but there are no fundamental differences between them. All of them are resistant to low temperatures - they can be stored frozen for more than a year. They die instantly in boiling water.

Bacteria can live in soil, water, feed, manure, from where they enter the digestive tract of animals and settle on mucous membranes. Infection also occurs through the respiratory tract and mucous membranes. There may even be skin damage upon contact with infected manure or urine. The carriers arebloodsucking insects , rodents and wild animals.

The most common source of infection is cows with brucellosis. Bacteria enter the external environment during childbirth along with the waters, fetus, placenta, and then with urine and milk. Often, brucellosis begins with the use of skim milk from an infected animal in cattle feed, which has not been disinfected.

How does brucellosis develop in cows and sheep?

After entering the body , bacteria multiply in the lymph nodes and spread throughout the internal organs. This period lasts 3–5 weeks. Then the disease can become chronic without significant symptoms. An individual can be a carrier of Brucella for a long time.

The provoking factor most often becomes the pregnancy of the female - during this period, bacteria multiply especially actively in the uterine cavity. However, inflammation affects not only the genitourinary system, but also joints and skin. Thus, bulls are characterized by arthritis and abscesses.

Symptoms

A clear manifestation of brucellosis is abortion in the second half of pregnancy (in cows - at 5-8 months, in sheep - at 4-5 months). The reason is the penetration of Brucella into the uterus, which is accompanied by an inflammatory process, proliferative and degenerative-necrotic changes and leads to the death and expulsion of the fetus. Retention of the placenta is often observed, which causes endometritis, barnacles, and mastitis.

Diagnostics

• Serological study.
• Bacteriological examination of the fetus.
• Allergy tests.

Is it possible to treat brucellosis ?

The sanitary (SP 3.1.085-96) and veterinary (VP 13.3.1302-96) rules of Rosselkhoznadzor clearly state that livestock in a farm infected with brucellosis is subject to complete elimination. Thus, the disease cannot be cured, and all measures should be aimed at preventing the spread of brucellosis.

Preventive measures are carried out in strict accordance with VP 13.3.1302-96 and SP 3.1.085-96. The main ones are listed below:

• When purchasing animals, they are placed in a 30-day quarantine and tested for brucellosis.
• It is necessary to maintain cleanliness, carry out disinfection, disinfestation, and deratization.
• All livestock are examined for brucellosis 1–2 times a year.

What disinfectant to use

The NITA-FARM company has developed and produces a disinfectant that has proven effective in the prevention of brucellosis.

Highly concentrated disinfectant "Fulgard", based on glutaraldehyde, HOUR. Effective against all bacteria, as well as spore-forming fungi, mold, pathogens of resistance groups I–IV. Does not have a destructive effect on surrounding objects or equipment. Suitable for spraying, spraying, wiping, dipping, foaming.