Brucellosis, also known as undulant fever, is a bacterial disease primarily affecting livestock but can spread to humans. Learn about its Causes, Symptoms, and treatment options.
Brucellosis: The Silent and Sneaky Disease You Should Know About
Imagine this: you’ve been around livestock for years, perhaps working on a farm, or maybe you've consumed a bit of unpasteurized milk or cheese, thinking nothing of it. But what if I told you there’s a disease out there, lurking silently, that can strike without much warning? That disease is brucellosis—a bacterial infection that primarily affects animals but can make its way into humans.
I’ve been thinking a lot about brucellosis recently. It’s something that doesn’t get enough attention, but it’s still relevant, especially for those working closely with livestock or consuming unpasteurized dairy products. So, let me take you through what brucellosis is, how it spreads, and most importantly, how to protect yourself from it.

What Is Brucellosis?

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease caused by the Brucella genus of bacteria. It can infect a variety of animals, but when it comes to humans, it’s most commonly spread through contact with infected animals or by consuming their unpasteurized milk and products. Known by several names like undulant fever, Malta fever, and Bang’s disease, brucellosis has a reputation for being sneaky—it often starts off with Symptoms that resemble something mild, like a flu.

Who Is at Risk?

While the disease is most commonly associated with farmers, veterinarians, and slaughterhouse workers, anyone who handles livestock or consumes unpasteurized dairy is at risk. In fact, the global hotspots for brucellosis include parts of Latin America and the Mediterranean, where unpasteurized dairy products are more common. In the United States, cases have drastically decreased since the pasteurization of milk became widespread, but it’s still something to be aware of if you travel or work in high-risk areas.

How Does Brucellosis Spread?

Brucellosis is transmitted primarily through direct contact with infected animals, particularly their blood, urine, and reproductive fluids. If you’ve ever worked around livestock during a birth, miscarriage, or any kind of medical procedure, you’re more vulnerable. The bacteria can enter your body through broken skin or even be inhaled if you’re working in confined areas with contaminated air.
But that’s not all—unpasteurized milk from an infected cow, goat, or sheep is a major cause of transmission. So, if you’ve been indulging in fresh cheese or milk from a local farm, be cautious. Brucellosis isn’t picky—it can be spread through contaminated food and drink.

What Are the Symptoms?

Here’s where things get tricky: brucellosis Symptoms often mimic the flu, which can make it difficult to diagnose right away. In the beginning, you’ll experience intermittent fever, chills, sweating, and muscle aches. It’s not just your typical cold; it’s that constant, nagging fever that won’t seem to go away. This is where it gets its nickname, “undulant fever,” because the fever rises and falls in waves.
But it’s not just the physical toll. The disease can also take a mental toll, leaving you feeling exhausted and possibly even depressed. For some, the mental depression can be so severe that it leads to suicidal thoughts. If you’re experiencing this, don’t brush it off—brucellosis can do more than just make you physically ill.
Other Symptoms include headache, poor appetite, back pain, and overall weakness. It’s not uncommon for the disease to cause miscarriages in pregnant women, especially during the first trimester. So, if you’re experiencing these Symptoms and have been in contact with livestock, you should get checked immediately.

How Is Brucellosis Diagnosed?

So, you’re feeling off. You’ve got a low-grade fever that’s been on and off for weeks. What now? Diagnosing brucellosis can be tricky, but doctors often use blood or urine tests to detect the presence of the Brucella bacteria. The bacteria may also show up through specialized testing methods, such as fluorescent staining, where they glow under UV light.
The key is early detection. If left untreated, the disease can become chronic, causing recurring Symptoms over months or even years.

What Is the Treatment for Brucellosis?

Good news—brucellosis is treatable. Once diagnosed, the treatment typically involves antibiotics, including tetracyclines, streptomycin, and sometimes co-trimoxazole. Depending on the severity and chronicity, treatment may last for a few weeks, and in more severe cases, you might need a second course of antibiotics.
Along with antibiotics, bed rest is crucial. If you're not taking care of yourself physically, the Symptoms can return. While brucellosis isn’t usually fatal, untreated cases can lead to Complications like pneumonia or meningitis—so don’t wait to seek help.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Now, let’s talk about Prevention. There is no vaccine for humans to protect against brucellosis, but there are a few ways to minimize your risk. If you're working with livestock, ensure that animals are tested regularly for brucellosis and that those found infected are isolated or destroyed. Immunizing cattle and other livestock is crucial to Preventing the spread of the disease.
For those who handle livestock, protective gear is essential—gloves, protective clothing, and goggles can help keep the bacteria at bay. And if you’re in an area where brucellosis is prevalent, be sure to avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products.
Final Thoughts: Stay Safe and Informed

Brucellosis may not be the most well-known disease, but it’s one that can have serious consequences if left untreated. Whether you’re a farmer, a veterinarian, or simply someone who enjoys fresh dairy, it’s important to stay informed and protect yourself from this bacterial infection.
Remember: early Diagnosis, treatment, and precautions can go a long way in keeping you healthy. Don’t ignore those Symptoms, and don’t take unnecessary risks with unpasteurized foods. Stay safe, stay educated, and take care of yourself.