Brucellosis

Natural transmission occurs by ingestion of organisms, which are present in large numbers in aborted fetuses, fetal membranes, and uterine discharges. Cattle may ingest contaminated feed and water or may lick contaminated genitals of other animals. Venereal transmission by infected bulls to susceptible cows appears to be rare.
Clinical Findings
Seminal vesicles, ampullae, testicles, and epididymides may be infected in bulls; therefore, organisms are present in the semen. Agglutinins may be demonstrated in seminal plasma from infected bulls. Testicular abscesses may occur. Longstanding infections may result in arthritic joints in some cattle.


Diagnosis
VETLAB Bovine Brucella Test- ( Serum agglutination test) have been the standard diagnostic method.
Screening Tests
The RBPT has effectively located infected dairy herds. The brucellosis status of dairy herds in any area can be monitored by implementing the RBPT at 3- to 4-mo intervals as well as FOR ANY NEW ANIMAL WHICH IS BEING ADDED TO HEARD,
Brucellosis-free areas can be achieved and maintained, effectively and economically, by using the BRT on dairy herds and through market cattle testing. Adult cattle are sampled at the time of slaughter.

Control
Efforts are directed at detection and prevention, because no practical treatment is available. Eventual eradication depends on testing and eliminating reactors. The disease has been eradicated from many individual herds and areas by this method. Herds must be tested at regular intervals until two or three successive tests are negative.
Non infected herds must be protected. The greatest danger is from replacement animals. Additions should be vaccinated calves or non pregnant heifers. If pregnant or fresh cows are added, they should originate from brucellosis-free areas or herds and be seronegative. Replacements should be isolated for ~30 days and retested before being added to the herd.
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