What should you know about ovine brucellosis?

People may be exposed through contact with infected animals, birth products, blood or tissues, or by consuming unpasteurised animal products. Infection can enter through broken skin, the eyes or the mouth. Tell a clinician about farm work, animal handling, slaughtering, laboratory work and unpasteurised food.

Symptoms may develop gradually and can include fever, sweats, tiredness, muscle aches and joint pain. Symptoms can come and go, so a history of exposure is particularly useful. Brucellosis can resemble other infections and cannot be confirmed from symptoms alone.

Contact a clinician if you develop compatible symptoms after animal or food exposure. Explain when the exposure occurred, which animal products were involved and whether protective equipment was used. Avoid unpasteurised dairy products and use gloves and eye protection when handling potentially infected materials.

Testing may include a blood test and other assessments guided by your symptoms. If diagnosed, antibiotic treatment is prescribed for an appropriate course; take it exactly as directed and attend follow-up.

Seek prompt medical advice for persistent or recurrent fever, drenching night sweats, worsening weakness, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty or severe joint pain after a relevant exposure. Seek urgent help for collapse, severe breathing problems or new neurological symptoms.

Could my animal or food exposure be relevant? Which tests are needed? When should results be reviewed? How should I take treatment, and should household or workplace contacts receive advice?