GL 033 Brucellosis & Other Milkborne Diseases

Brucellosis is a highly contagious disease of cattle, which is also communicable to humans. No known cure for the disease in cattle exists. Since brucellosis spreads rapidly from infected to susceptible cattle, the only acceptable method of control is to completely eradicate it by systematically seeking out potentially diseased cattle, testing them and shipping the reactors directly to slaughter. A substantial program of calfhood vaccination has been practiced in the United States to produce immunity, decrease exposure and depress infection of susceptible cattle to brucellosis disease. Vaccination programs have been successful in eliminating brucellosis from all but a few herds in the United States.