Camelidae and Cervidae Brucellosis Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonotic bacterial disease caused by various species of the genus Brucella. This disease has significant economic impact on livestock production worldwide and poses serious public health concerns. In camelids and cervids, brucellosis primarily manifests as reproductive failure, including abortion, stillbirth, and infertility.

Brucellosis is listed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and is a reportable disease in most countries. Understanding this disease is essential for NAVLE success, particularly regarding its zoonotic potential, diagnostic approaches, and control measures in wildlife reservoir populations.

Etiology and Brucella Species

Brucella organisms are small (0.5-0.7 by 0.6-1.5 micrometers), Gram-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, facultative intracellular coccobacilli. They are aerobic but may require supplemental CO2 for primary isolation. The organisms lack classical virulence factors such as exotoxins, capsules, fimbriae, or plasmids but possess unique mechanisms for intracellular survival.