Brucellosis – A threat to one health

Brucellosis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella, which infects various mammalian species, including humans. It is one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases, with annual cases ranging from 5,000,000 to 12,500,000. The World Health Organization has classified brucellosis as one of the seven most neglected zoonotic diseases, as most cases often go unreported, under-reported, and even misdiagnosed. India is primarily an agrarian economy, and livestock is an integral part. The disease is endemic in the livestock population of India and leads to economic losses by causing abortions in late gestation, stillbirth, and the birth of weak calves that remain infected for life. Additionally, there is reduced productivity, a lower sale value of infected animals, and increased veterinary costs. This leads to substantial economic loss for the farmers. Brucellosis, being zoonotic in nature, is an occupational hazard for veterinarians, veterinary pharmacists, abattoir workers, farmers, and animal handlers, thus inflicting a double burden on both human and animal health. Given the ease of dissemination and the ability to cause a chronic debilitating disease with a low mortality rate, it is also suitable for bioterrorism. As no vaccine exists for humans, prevention relies on controlling the disease in animals. In India, brucellosis causes significant losses per buffalo, cattle, sheep, pig, and goat. A holistic One Health approach involving medical and veterinary sciences is required to address this issue.