Courtesy of Danielle Langloism, Wikipedia CCLBrucellosis in Malaysia
GEORGETOWN, Penang, Malaysia –
An outbreak of the brucella bacteria has resulted in mass testing of goats in Penang and the culling of infected animals. A seven year old boy was infected with brucellosis after drinking raw goat’s milk containing the bacteria.
State Veterinary Services began testing livestock following confirmation of the infection. Brucellosis causes flu like symptoms, swollen glands and muscle pain and can result in encephalitis and meningitis as well as other complications.
Brucellosis, also called Bang’s Disease or undulant fever, is contagious and is contracted through ingesting infected meat or raw milk containing the bacteria which can be carried by cattle, swine, goats and sheep.
It is consoling that the state vet services Dept was able in collaboration with the ministry of health to bring the situation under control. I am into research on brucellosis in Malaysia in goats and humans and will appreciate any new information you ever get on any aspects of brucellosis in Malaysia. I think there is a need to reinforce quarantine policies and its implementation as thousands of goats are imported into Malaysia periodically and may be from brucellosis endemic countries.