Brucellosis
What causes brucellosis?
Brucellosis is a highly contagious disease caused by bacteria called Brucella suis type 4 (in caribou, reindeer) and Brucella abortus (in bison). It is spread in the afterbirth and fluids during calving.
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Swollen joint of a caribou with brucellosis.
Photo credit: N. Larter
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Where does brucellosis occur?
Brucella suis occurs naturally in caribou and reindeer and has also been seen in muskoxen and moose.
In the NWT and Nunavut, brucellosis is common in barren-ground caribou.
Brucella abortus occurs in bison in Wood Buffalo National Park, and in the Slave River Lowlands northeast of the park.
These bison are a potential source of infection for healthy wood bison in the Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary and the Nahanni/Liard herd.
Humans can be infected by both types of Brucella.
What are the signs of brucellosis?
Animals may appear healthy and not show any signs of disease.
Brucellosis usually affects the reproductive organs and leg joints.
Often, animals will have swollen leg joints causing limping or lameness (especially in the front legs).
When butchering, you may find pus-filled swellings under the skin, in the meat or in the internal organs.
The testicles or womb may be swollen.
How can I protect myself?
You can get brucellosis through exposure to contaminated parts. The bacteria can enter through cuts or scratches in your skin or though your eyes, nose or mouth. You can also get brucellosis by eating infected meat that has not been fully cooked.
Do not cut into diseased parts.
Do not spill fluid from the womb onto the meat.
Use extreme care when handling any fetal membranes or aborted tissues.
Wash your hands, knives and clothes with hot soapy water after handling the animal.
Report any animals suspected of having brucellosis to your local Renewable Resource Officer.
Can I eat the meat?
Meat from animals with brucellosis should be thoroughly cooked.
Freezing, smoking, drying and pickling do not kill Brucella.
Raw bone marrow from infected animals can contain the bacteria.
Do not feed diseased parts to dogs.
Samples to collect
Swollen joints and other infected areas.