What Causes Brucellosis?

Work In High Risk Occupations

Certain professions that involve close contact with domestic animals and livestock pose a higher than normal risk of exposure to, and potential infection with, strains of the Brucella bacteria. While there is a vaccine available for animals, no vaccine against brucellosis currently exists for humans; therefore, it is important for all individuals who face increased exposure take appropriate precautions in their work. Work in high-risk occupations is a central cause of brucellosis. Veterinarians, livestock and dairy farmers, meat-packing industry workers, hunters, laboratory technicians, microbiologists, and clinicians treating brucellosis patients all have a higher than normal risk of getting the disease themselves. All workers at high risk should wear protective gear such as gloves, safety goggles, and face masks. Additionally, it is recommended that laboratory workers use primary barriers such as safety caps on centrifuges combined with secondary barriers such as closing external windows and doors and restricting laboratory access. For the protection of farmers, it is recommended for livestock to be vaccinated against brucellosis.

Read more now to get to know another cause of brucellosis.