A Field Topic Current Concepts in Brucellosis
Brucellosis continues to be a very devastating disease in the United States and throughout the world. In dairy herds, spread of the disease often results in severe milk losses due to the necessary slaughter of infected animals. Many herds have been depopulated because herd owners have not followed management recommendations to control the spread of infection. Undulant fever is a frequent occurrence in farm families where herds are infected. Increased movement of cattle, including importation of animals, has contributed to its spread. Prevention, control, and eradication have been impeded by present housing and management practices. The general apathy on the part of the owner in not having herd additions blood-tested for brucellosis before entry into the herd is also an important contributing factor.