Brucelosis... K-9 , Humans, & Bovine - Page 1

PA Department of Health Communicable Diseases Fact Sheets Brucellosis What is brucellosis? Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria of the genus Brucella. These bacteria are primarily passed among animals, and they cause disease in many different vertebrates. Various Brucella species affect sheep, goats, cattle, deer, elk, pigs, dogs, and several other animals. Humans become infected by coming in contact with animals or animal products that are contaminated with these bacteria. In humans brucellosis can cause a range of symptoms that are similar to the flu and may include fever, sweats, headaches, back pains, and physical weakness. Sever infections of the central nervous systems or lining of the heart may occur. Brucellosis can also cause long-lasting or chronic symptoms that include recurrent fevers, joint pain, and fatigue. How common is brucellosis? Brucellosis is not very common in the United States, where 100 to 200 cases occur each year. But brucellosis can be very common in countries where animal disease control programs have not reduced the amount of disease among animals. My dog has been diagnosed with brucellosis. Is that a risk for me? B. canis is the species of Brucella species that can infect dogs. This species has occasionally been transmitted to humans, but the vast majority of dog infections do not result in human illness. Although veterinarians exposed to blood of infected animals are at risk, pet owners are not considered to be at risk for infection. This is partly because it is unlikely that they will come in contact with blood, semen, or placenta of the dog. The bacteria may be cleared from the animal within a few days of treatment; however re-infection is common and some animal body fluids may be infectious for weeks. Immunocompromised persons (cancer patients, HIV-infected individuals, or transplantation patients) should not handle dogs known to be infected with B. canis. How is brucellosis diagnosed? Brucellosis is diagnosed in a laboratory by finding Brucella organisms in samples of blood or bone marrow. Also, blood tests can be done to detect antibodies against the bacteria. If this method is used, two blood samples should be collected 2 weeks apart. Is there a treatment for brucellosis? Yes, but treatment can be difficult. Doctors can prescribe effective antibiotics. Usually, doxycycline and rifampin are used in combination for 6 weeks to prevent reoccuring infection. Depending on the timing of treatment and severity of illness, recovery may take a few weeks to several months. Mortality is low (<2%), and is usually associated with endocarditis.

Thanks Echo........theres more info where that came from.....As in Ecoli every year we see more infectious diseases here in USA that have emerged for many reasons.....people today take short cuts : like breeding without testing both dogs, think it wont happen to me , and it costs too much for all the test, worming, shots, food, cleaners, electric and gas bills, time involved , advertisements, meat diets, cottage cheese, etc added , wow do I really want to breed, then u need pups checked for heart murmurs, and a health cert, flea control, pine shavings, oh and I have a family that never sees me.......during whelphing and first three days, and till they are sold , with appointments to come be interviewed and oh , train a 4-6 week old pup? gosh didnt know u did that.....we will skip all those tests, and dont give shots , let the buyer do that, cant see spending that money, they will never know..........do u get the pic why we have Perfinia and Brucellosis, and Clamdidia, and etc.,in dogs on the market....I think I skipped something? I forgot, I havent slept in weeks because I have 9 puppies under my feet so forgive me if I slipped up on this thread,,,,,,and it sure isnt because I took a short cut.....remember I learned my lesson...once.....

ya as I was just about to post, BTW don't thank me you all you need to Thank Yellow Rose she sent me the info in email, I simply relayed it :-) Man when she say's she's gonna do homework she does it, There was another link to more info here it is guys. www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/agentlist.asp Hope it helps all. ROFL Yellowrose, and No kidding here ya there all the way !!