Brucellosis

Brucellosis

Brucellosis is an bacterial illness caused by a bacteria. People can get the disease when they are in contact with infected animals or animal products contaminated with the bacteria. Animals that are most commonly infected include sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, and dogs, among others.

Anyone can get brucellosis if infected with the bacteria. Persons at highest risk for brucellosis are those who work with infected animals, such as veterinarians and ranchers, and persons who consume raw milk or cheeses or ice cream made with raw milk. Symptoms may include fever, night sweats, extreme tiredness, anorexia (loss of appetite), weight loss, headache, and arthralgia (pain in the joints). Brucellosis can be treated with antibiotics.