Brucellosis

Brucellosis is any human or animal disease caused by infection with Brucella species. In humans, Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis and Brucella suis can cause an acute or chronic systemic disease, known as undulant fever or Malta fever, characterized by intermittent fever, weakness and general malaise that may relapse over months. It is transmitted to humans by direct or indirect contact with infected animals, or through raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products. In livestock it causes abortions and infertility. Control rests on herd testing and slaughter, animal vaccination and universal milk pasteurization.