Brucellosis is caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella and is characterized by abortion, retained placenta, and to a lesser extent, orchitis and infection of the accessory sex glands in males. The disease is prevalent in most countries of the world. It primarily affects cattle, buffalo, bison, pigs, sheep, goats, dogs (see Brucellosis in Dogs), elk, and occasionally horses. The disease in humans, sometimes referred to as undulant fever, is a serious public health problem, especially when caused by B melitensis.

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