About Swine Brucellosis
- The Disease
- California History
- Current Status & Updates
- Publications
- Movement Requirements
- Legal References
- Industry Contacts
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 - Case Found In California
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. The rapid depopulation of the infected herd and continued
surveillance program has allowed California to maintain the Certified
Free Status. However, if a second herd is detected, California may
lose the free status. Loss of the free status would require a negative
official brucellosis test for ALL breeding swine leaving the state.
Contact your local CDFA Animal Health Branch district office if you
have any questions.
Publications
CDFA (California Department of Food and Agriculture)
National Pork Board
Movement Requirements
Legal References
Industry Contacts & Links
- General Brucellosis USDA
- Brucellosis (Center for Disease Control)
- Swine Brucellosis Surveillance Website USDA
- Texas Animal Health Commission
- National Pork Producers Council
- Biosecurity for Pork Producers
- American Association of Swine Practitioners
Contact us for more information:
California Department of Food and Agriculture
Animal Health and Food Safety Services, Animal Health Branch
1220 N Street, Room A-107
Sacramento, California 95814
Telephone: (916) 654-1447
Fax: (916) 653-2215
or send an email to: ahbfeedback@cdfa.ca.gov