The signs of brucellosis in goats are similar to those in cattle. The disease is prevalent in most countries where goats are a significant part of the animal industry, and milk is common source of human brucellosis in many countries. The causal agent is B melitensis. Infection occurs primarily through ingestion of the organisms. The disease causes abortion about the fourth month of pregnancy. Arthritis and orchitis may occur. Diagnosis is made by bacteriologic examination of milk or an aborted fetus or by serum agglutination tests. The disease can be eliminated by slaughter of the herd. In most countries where B melitensis is endemic, vaccination with the Rev. 1 strain is common. Rev. 1 is an attenuated strain of B melitensis and is administered by SC or intraconjunctival routes. B melitensis is highly pathogenic for humans.

Last full review/revision July 2011 by Paul Nicoletti, DVM, MS