Brucellosis in Europe: What You Need to Know
Brucellosis is a contagious disease that affects animals and humans in parts of Europe, requiring strict control measures like vaccination, testing, and food safety to prevent its spread.
Brucellosis is a serious disease that affects livestock and can spread to humans. Many European countries consider it a priority, whether they are fighting to control it or working to prevent its return. Although there has been significant progress in controlling brucellosis, it remains a challenge in some areas, especially where surveillance is weak. The disease persists in domestic animals and can also be spread by wild animals.
What is Brucellosis?
Brucellosis is a contagious disease caused by bacteria from the Brucella family. These bacteria mainly affect cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and other animals. However, they can also infect humans, making it a major public health concern.
How Does Brucellosis Spread?
The disease spreads through:
Contact with infected animals or their fluids (such as during birth or abortion)
Drinking unpasteurized milk from infected animals
Handling infected animal products, putting farmers, veterinarians, and slaughterhouse workers at risk
Brucellosis in wildlife further complicates efforts to control the disease. Infected animals can shed bacteria into the environment, allowing the disease to spread to other animals and humans.
Why is Brucellosis a Concern in Europe?
Although some European countries are officially free from brucellosis, it remains a problem in certain regions. It is especially common in Central Asia and the South Caucasus, where it causes high rates of human infection. Because the disease can be difficult to diagnose, many cases go unreported.
Symptoms of Brucellosis
In animals, brucellosis often leads to:
Abortions
Infertility
Weak newborns
In humans, brucellosis (sometimes called Malta fever or undulant fever) causes:
Fever and chills
Weakness and fatigue
Sweating
Joint and muscle pain
Weight loss
If left untreated, brucellosis can lead to serious complications affecting the liver, heart, and nervous system.
How Can Brucellosis Be Prevented?
The best way to prevent brucellosis is to control it in animals. Effective strategies include:
Vaccination: Vaccinating livestock can reduce infections.
Testing and surveillance: Regular testing helps detect and eliminate infected animals.
Pasteurization: Heating milk kills Brucella bacteria, making it safe for consumption.
Improved hygiene: Farmers and veterinarians should wear protective clothing and follow safety guidelines when handling animals.
One Health Approach
Since brucellosis affects both animals and humans, controlling it requires cooperation between the agriculture, veterinary, and healthcare sectors. This "One Health" approach ensures:
Safe food production
Strong disease monitoring systems
Public education on risks and prevention
Brucellosis in the World
The disease is most common in the Middle East, Mediterranean countries, Africa, China, India, and parts of Latin America. Many Western European nations, Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand are free from brucellosis thanks to strict control measures.
Conclusion
Brucellosis remains a significant challenge in parts of Europe and beyond. While many countries have successfully controlled the disease, continued efforts are needed to prevent its spread. By improving animal health, food safety, and public awareness, we can reduce brucellosis and protect both animals and humans from this serious infection.
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