Per CDC:
Key points
Brucellosis is a disease caused by bacteria.
The disease spreads to people through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.
People in certain jobs or settings that work with animals or animal products may face increased exposure to the bacteria that cause brucellosis.
Brucellosis can be treated with antibiotics.
Animals that most commonly get brucellosis include cats, dogs, sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, bison, elk, caribou, moose, and wild hogs, among others. People can get brucellosis by:
Eating undercooked meat such as sheep, cow, goat, or camel.
Eating undercooked game meat such as bison, elk, caribou, moose, and wild hog.
Consuming unpasteurized (raw) milk or other dairy products made from contaminated milk.
Breathing in the bacteria that cause brucellosis.
Getting body fluids from infected animals in the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Preparing meat or hides after hunting.
Getting certain animal vaccines in the eyes, nose or mouth or accidentally injecting yourself when vaccinating animals
Working in a lab with brucellosis samples.
People with certain jobs or hobbies may face increased exposure to the bacteria that cause brucellosis, including:
Slaughterhouse workers
Hunters
Veterinarians and veterinary staff
Animal breeders or animal shelter staff
Laboratory workers
It is extremely rare for brucellosis to spread between people.
Prevention
Eating or drinking infected animal products
The best way to prevent brucellosis infection is to be sure you don't eat or drink:
Undercooked meat
Unpasteurized (raw) dairy products, including milk, cheese, and ice cream
Pasteurization is the heating process used to destroy harmful bacteria that may make milk and milk products unsafe to eat or drink.
If you are not sure whether a dairy product is pasteurized, don't eat or drink it.
Hunters and those who work with animals
People who work with animal tissues and body fluids, including animal caretakers (veterinarians, vet techs, shelter staff, etc.), hunters, butchers, and animal herdsman, are at higher risk of brucellosis infection. If you work with animal tissues, protect yourself by wearing:
Rubber gloves
Goggles
Gowns or aprons
Masks or respirators
To learn more please visit: About Brucellosis | Brucellosis | CDC
