Brucella

Question 1

Is Brucella infection reportable?

Answer 1

Yes, in ALL species (in dogs specifically if from breeder, pet store, or shelter)

Question 2

Brucella pathogenic feature

Answer 2

Endotoxin- LPS

Question 3

Preferred sites of replication of Brucella

Answer 3

Uterus, placenta, mammary glands, testicles

Question 4

Transmission of Brucella

Answer 4

Direct contact of infected tissues or secretions or with fomites
Or inhalation or ingestion

Question 5

Brucellosis in Cattle

Answer 5

What causes abortion, weak calves, orchitis, and epididymus, fever of unknown origin and enlarged joints

Question 6

How are cow herds infected with Brucellosis

Answer 6

Infected animals or wild animals- free ranging bison and elk in Yellowstone are a big threat

Question 7

How do you test for Brucellosis

Answer 7

Serological card test or milk ring rest or culture/PCR

Question 8

Is there an Elimination Program for Brucellosis

Answer 8

Yes, National Brucellosis Elimination Program

Question 9

Treatment for Brucellosis?

Answer 9

None

Question 10

Organism that causes Brucellosis in cows

Answer 10

Brucella abortus

Question 11

How to control Brucellosis in Cattle?

Answer 11

Vaccinate calves, test replacement stock and quarantine, cull infected animals/ herds, test animals at slaughter

Question 12

What organism causes Brucellosis in Swine

Answer 12

Brucella suis

Question 13

Is there a vaccine for Brucellosis in swine

Answer 13

No

Question 14

Risk of Brucellosis to swine herds?

Answer 14

Feral swine

Question 15

What organism causes Brucellosis in Small Ruminants

Answer 15

Brucella melitensis- goats and sheep (not in US now) and Brucella ovis- sheep

Question 16

What organism causes Brucellosis in dogs?

Answer 16

Brucella canis

Question 17

Signs of Brucellosis in dogs?

Answer 17

Reproductive problems, late term abortions, enlarged scrotum, vaginal discharge, epididymitis, decrease sperm volume and motility and creates abnormal sperm, atrophy of testicles, Discospondylitis- infection of vertebrae

Question 18

Is Brucellosis in dogs reportable?

Answer 18

Only if dog from breeder, pet store, shelter

Question 19

Diagnosing Brucellosis in dogs?

Answer 19

Serological tests- slide agglutination and then confirm with ELISA

Question 20

Treatment of Brucellosis in dogs

Answer 20

Neuter, long term antibiotic therapy, often repeat testing necessary
*inform owner of health risk

Question 21

Is there a vaccine for B. Canis?

Answer 21

No

Question 22

What is Brucellosis in Humans called and what are symptoms?

Answer 22

Undulant Fever- flu-like symptoms that come and go and Orchitis and epididymitis in males, can infect bones and joints
Abortion unlikely

Question 23

How do Humans catch Brucellosis?

Answer 23

**Ingestion of unpasteurized milk, contact with infected secretions or inhalation of aerosols

Question 24

What Organisms cause Brucellosis in Humans

Answer 24

B. abortis, B. suis, B. canis, B. melitensis