Etiology
Susceptible Hosts
Though all the species of Brucella are relatively specific for individual species of animals but they can produce infection in other species of animals and man. The buffalo, goat, sheep, horse, dog cat etc.
Mode of Transmission
Brucella infection is spread through ingestion of food and water contaminated with discharges of aborted foetus or foetal membranes. Through creaks in the skin. Occasionally through inhalation. Some time, the organism may pierce the intact skin or conjnctiva.
Clinical Symptoms
Brucellosis is the most common cause of abortion in cattle. Abortion usually takes place from 6 month onwards i.e. last trimester of pregnancy. There is grayish white mucoid or muco purulent discharges from the vagina . Prior to parturition cow may show clinical pattern of normal parturition.There is retention of placenta/foetal membrane, necrotic changes in cotyledons. This may lead to chronic endometeritis.
In bulls the genital organs are affected leading to obvious manifestation of epididymitis and orchitis.
Control