Swine Brucellosis
Request to Receive Animal Disease SMS Text Alerts
The Disease
Brucellosis in pigs is an infectious and contagious disease caused by the bacteria, Brucella suis. The disease spreads in semen during breeding and by ingesting, inhaling or eye contact with bacteria in milk, reproductive fluids, placenta, aborted fetuses and urine. The disease primarily occurs in adult pigs which show non-specific infertility, abortion or lack of sexual drive. Boars can show signs of orchitis, lameness, arthritis, abscesses and posterior paralysis. There is no treatment for the disease and no effective vaccine.
WARNING: In some areas of California, B. suis is established in the feral pig populations. It is important to maintain separation of domestic and feral swine.
California History
On November 4, 2003 blood samples from three boars killed in Stanislaus County indicated brucellosis infection. On November 18, 2003 two sows killed in Fresno County also indicated infection. CDFA officials traced both sets of animals to a small swine herd in Tulare County. The herd was placed under quarantine and tests revealed the herd was infected. On December 18, 2003 the sows and boars were destroyed and their carcasses incinerated.
Current State Swine Brucellosis Status & Updates
California is involved in the National Swine Brucellosis Eradication Program. In 1980 California was declared a Certified Free (Stage 3) State.
Contact your local CDFA Animal Health Branch District Office if you have any questions.
Resources
Contact Us
CDFA Animal Health and Food Safety Services,
Animal Health Branch
Sacramento, California 95814
Phone: 916-900-5002
Fax: 916-900-5333
Email: ahbfeedback@cdfa.ca.gov
Translate This Page
Disclaimer: This Google™ translation feature is provided for informational purposes only. The California Department of Food and Agriculture cannot guarantee the accuracy of this translation and is, therefore, not liable for any inaccurate information resulting from the translation application tool. Please consult with a translator for accuracy if you rely on the translation or use this site for official business.