Context: Animal Husbandry officials have launched preventive measures after a few cases of brucellosis, a zoonotic infection, was detected in animals at the Jersey Farm, Vithura.

What is brucellosis?

• Brucellosis is a disease caused by a group of bacteria from the genus Brucella. These bacteria can infect both humans and animals.
• Brucellosis is often spread when people eat contaminated food, which may include raw meat and unpasteurized milk.
• The bacteria can also be spread through the air or contact with an open wound.

What puts people at risk of contracting brucellosis?

A variety of animals can contract brucellosis, including:

• goats
• sheep
• pigs
• cattle
• dogs

Humans can then contract the disease from infected animals.

The bacteria can be transmitted via:

• ingestion (eating)
• inhalation (breathing)
• contact with an open wound

Symptoms of brucellosis

The symptoms of brucellosis in humans are similar to those of the flu. The symptoms may include:

• appetite loss
• back pain
• chills
• lethargy
• headaches
• pain in the abdomen
• pain in the joints
• fever that comes and goes
• weight loss

Treating brucellosis

• Brucellosis is usually treated with antibiotics.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/four-cows-culled-at-vithura-farm/article34289626.ece

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