Bovine Brucellosis Outbreaks Threaten Dairy Farms and Public Health in Israel: Study

Brucellosis, a zoonotic disease caused by various species of the Brucella genus, is a prevalent global health concern. With over 500,000 cases reported annually, the impact of acute and chronic infections on patients and healthcare systems is significant. The most common species, B. abortus and B. melitensis, infect animals and humans, respectively. Small ruminants, particularly goats and sheep, are the main hosts of B. melitensis, and humans typically contract brucellosis through the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products or occupational exposure. Recent research conducted in Israel identified an increase in bovine infections with B. melitensis, with spillover from small ruminants identified as the primary source. The study’s findings also suggest a persistent prevalence of B. melitensis in Israeli dairy farms and emphasize the importance of regularly monitoring dairy farms and human exposure to the disease to control its transmission. These insights can aid healthcare systems and policymakers to develop effective strategies to combat the spread of brucellosis globally, making it a critical area for further research.