Brucellosis is an infectious disease of major importance to animal health and public health, caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. It is a zoonosis widely distributed worldwide, with significant impacts on livestock production, especially in cattle, buffalo, goats, and sheep, due to reproductive losses and sanitary restrictions imposed on infected herds.
In cattle, the main species involved is Brucella abortus, responsible for abortions in the final third of gestation, retained placenta, infertility, reduced milk production, and the birth of weak calves. In males, it can cause orchitis, epididymitis, and reduced fertility. Many infected animals may remain asymptomatic, acting as silent sources of bacterial spread within the herd.
Brucellosis transmission occurs mainly through direct contact with uterine secretions, aborted fetuses, placenta, and contaminated fluids, as well as ingestion of contaminated water or food. The vertical route is also relevant, with transmission potentially occurring in utero or via colostrum and milk. Brucella’s high environmental resistance, especially under favorable humidity and temperature conditions, contributes to the persistence of infection.
Brucellosis prevention and control are based on strict sanitary measures. Vaccination of young females is one of the main preventive strategies, combined with control of animal movement, quarantine, and adoption of biosecurity practices. In many countries, including Brazil, official eradication programs recommend identification and sanitary culling of positive animals to reduce disease prevalence.
Laboratory diagnosis is essential for brucellosis control and is performed mainly through serological tests, such as the Buffered Acidified Antigen Test (AAT), the 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) test, and the complement fixation test. Molecular methods can also be used as complementary tools. Periodic herd testing, especially of animals intended for breeding and commercialization, is essential for epidemiological surveillance.
In addition to the economic impacts on animal production, brucellosis poses a significant risk to human health and can be transmitted to humans through consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products or through occupational contact with infected animals. Therefore, brucellosis control requires an integrated approach between animal health and public health, reinforcing the importance of ongoing surveillance, diagnostic, and health education programs.
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In this context, the Bioperfectus rapid brucellosis test is a relevant tool for initial screening of animals in sanitary surveillance programs. Use of the rapid test enables swift detection of suspected animals directly in the field—on rural properties, at fairs, or at inspection checkpoints—supporting immediate decisions such as isolation, movement restriction, and referral for confirmatory laboratory testing. Thus, the rapid test serves as a complement to traditional serological methods, contributing to early identification of outbreaks, reduced disease spread, and strengthened brucellosis control and eradication strategies.
