Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis and Brucella suis

Last Modified: Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:35:39 GMT
Disease name Brucella abortus, Brucella melitensis and Brucella suis
Animal Health Law Category if applicable B, D, E
Species affected Multiple(not specified), Ovine, Swine
Description Bovine brucellosis is usually caused by Brucella abortus, less frequently by B. melitensis, and occasionally by B. suis. Infection is widespread globally. Brucella melitensis (biovars 1, 2 or 3) is the main causative agent of caprine and ovine brucellosis. Brucella melitensis is highly pathogenic for humans, causing Malta fever, one of the most serious zoonoses in the world. Brucellosis in pigs is caused by Brucella suis, a bacterial infection that, after an initial bacteraemia, causes chronic inflammatory lesions in the reproductive organs of both sexes, with occasional localisation and lesions in other tissues. The species Brucella suis consists of five biovars, but the infection in pigs is caused by B. suis biovars 1, 2 or 3.
Status in Ireland Absent
Date of Last known case of disease in Ireland Brucella abortus - 2006; Brucella melitensis - never reported; Brucella suis - never reported
DAFM Division Responsible Ruminant Animal Health/ERAD Division
Contact erad@agriculture.gov.ie
Legislation
S.I. No. 114/1991 - Brucellosis in Cattle. (General Provisions) Order, 1991. (irishstatutebook.ie)

S.I. No. 130/2016 - Notification and Control of Diseases affecting Terrestrial Animals (No. 2) Regulations 2016. (irishstatutebook.ie)

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/689

 

Link to relevant external website
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/diseasecontrol/
Notifiable in Ireland Yes
WOAH Listed Yes
WOAH Link https://www.woah.org/en/disease/brucellosis/
Publications