Brucellosis in Cattle: Welfare Implications of a Zoonotic Disease

Bovine brucellosis causes painful abortions, reproductive failure, and chronic infection — eradication programs have dramatically reduced UK prevalence.

Key Facts

• Brucella abortus causes contagious abortion in cattle and undulant fever in humans
• Infected cows abort in the last trimester, causing welfare suffering from the abortion process
• Bulls develop painful orchitis causing welfare harm and reproductive failure
• The UK achieved OIE-recognized brucellosis-free status in 1985 through test-and-slaughter programs
• Brucellosis remains endemic in parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas

Welfare Considerations

Bovine brucellosis causes welfare suffering through multiple pathways: cows experience the pain and distress of late-term abortion; bulls develop painful testicular inflammation (orchitis) that causes significant discomfort and behavioral change; and chronically infected animals carry a latent welfare burden even when asymptomatic. The zoonotic dimension — undulant fever in humans — adds urgency to welfare-motivated control programs. In countries where eradication has been achieved, the welfare gains are profound: no more abortions from brucellosis, no orchitis, no chronic systemic infection in cattle herds. Maintaining brucellosis-free status requires vigilant biosecurity, especially regarding importation of cattle from endemic regions.

What You Can Do

• Comply with all statutory brucellosis testing requirements for cattle movement and sale
• Maintain strict biosecurity when importing cattle from regions where brucellosis remains endemic
• Report any unexplained abortions to your veterinarian — brucellosis must be excluded
• Support international animal health programs working toward global brucellosis eradication
• Wear appropriate protective equipment when handling abortion products from unknown disease status animals