Brucellosis
Basic Information 
Definition
• An infectious disease caused by infection with species of the genus Brucella, especially Brucella abortus and Brucella suis. B. abortus has a predilection for the tendons, muscles, bones, and joints of horses.
• It is most often associated with septic bursitis of the supraspinous bursa over the second and third dorsal vertebral spinous processes (fistulous withers) or supraatlantal bursa over the first and second cervical vertebra (poll evil).
Epidemiology
Contagion and Zoonosis
• Brucellosis is considered a zoonotic disease, but reports of disease in humans in contact with infected horses are rare.
• Numerous reports of accidental infection of veterinarians with B. abortus from strain 19 vaccine.
• Infection in humans may result in subclinical, acute, localized, or chronic disease or relapsing infection.
• Acute disease is characterized by malaise, chills, sweats, fatigue, weakness, fever, myalgia, weight loss, and arthralgia.
• Localized infection may occur at almost any site.
• Chronic infection is characterized by persistent fatigue, malaise, and depression.
• Relapse may occur after apparent successful antimicrobial treatment. Relapse may occur as long as 2 years after initial treatment.
Clinical Presentation
Disease Forms/Subtypes
History, Chief Complaint
• Most affected horses have a history of exposure to cattle.
• Many seropositive horses show no recognizable clinical signs.
• The onset of clinical signs may be sudden or insidious.
• Lethargy and general stiffness in movement are seen.
• Pain, heat, and swelling of the withers or poll that may progress to obvious external fistulation or exudate.
• Rarely, the chief complaint may be abortion.
• Lameness may be the primary complaint with some infections.
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