Wiqaya warns of brucellosis risk, urges livestock vaccination

The National Center for Prevention of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases has confirmed that brucellosis is a zoonotic disease, affecting both humans and animals, and is among the leading causes of abortion in livestock.

The center stated on X that vaccinating female livestock such as cattle, sheep, and camels is essential to protect them from abortion and reduced productivity, and also helps limit the transmission of the disease to humans.

The center noted that brucellosis is a priority disease, as it is a serious infectious illness affecting goats, sheep, camels, and cattle. It is known by several names, including brucellosis, contagious abortion, and undulant fever, due to the fluctuating temperatures associated with the illness.

Symptoms of brucellosis

Symptoms of brucellosis include abortion during the last trimester of pregnancy, reduced appetite in animals, and weak or premature births that result in immediate death. In some cases, inflammation of the uterus or retained placenta may occur after abortion.

Prevention measures

The center recommended isolating suspected animals from the rest of the herd, immediately reporting cases to Wiqaya via the unified number (8002470000), and consulting a veterinarian. It also stressed the importance of regular cleaning and disinfection of barns and equipment, vaccinating animals to limit the spread of the disease, and safely disposing of fetuses, placentas, and secretions.