Goat Abortion Disease (Brucellosis): Symptoms and Prevention Guide

By M. J. George, Dr. S. Hariravi, Dr. K. S. Ajitha, Dr. Shali Tippu Maheenkhan

Brucellosis is a major zoonotic disease that is commonly seen in goats but is not given serious attention by many. This is a disease that spreads from infected goats to humans through milk, meat, and bodily secretions — making it a significant public health concern for every goat farmer.

Certain bacteria belonging to the Brucella genus are the pathogens responsible. In goats, the disease is mainly caused by the species Brucella melitensis. Understanding this disease — its symptoms, how it spreads, and how to prevent it — is essential for every goat farmer.

A goat showing signs of brucellosis on a farm with a veterinarian examining it

🐐 Symptoms of Brucellosis in Goats

The main visible symptom is rough and lumpy skin. Beyond that, infected goats may show a range of physical signs that worsen over time:

🔹 Swelling and pus in the joints
🔹 Muscle pain and shivering
🔹 Loss of appetite and fatigue
🔹 Hair loss
🔹 Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye (Conjunctiva)

During pregnancy, the pathogens attack the uterus of females and the testicles of males. Infected females experience abortions in the final stages of pregnancy, severe pain during delivery, and bleeding from the uterus. After the abortion, the afterbirth (placenta) remains in the uterus without being expelled naturally, leading to pus formation inside the uterus.

⚠️ Don’t Be ‘Silent’: If a goat is infected with Brucellosis, it cannot be completely cured. Often, the symptoms — including abortion — disappear, but the pathogens remain in the body, silently continuing to spread the disease.

🔍 Major Clinical Signs to Watch For

The following are the four most critical and recognizable signs of Brucellosis in an infected goat:

🤰

Abortion
In the final stages of pregnancy (3.5 – 4 months), goats suddenly abort. This is the most major symptom in infected goats.

🧫

Retained Placenta
After an abortion, the afterbirth remains in the uterus for hours, decays, and causes pus to form in the uterus.

🦵

Joint Swelling (Hygroma)
Significant fluid-filled swelling on the knees and joints affects the goat’s mobility severely.

⚕️

Swelling in Testicles
Fluid-filled swelling and pus in the testicles of rams affects sperm quality and can cause infertility.

🧑‍⚕️ How Brucellosis Spreads to Humans

Unpasteurized goat milk being poured into a container showing zoonotic disease risk

The disease can spread to humans through the milk, meat, and secretions of infected goats. The aborted fetus, afterbirth, and secretions contain a large number of pathogens and are particularly dangerous sources of transmission.

Once transmitted to humans, Brucellosis can affect multiple organ systems and lead to serious, long-term health complications if not identified and managed promptly.

The following are the key health conditions Brucellosis causes in infected humans:

🌡️

Malta Fever
A progressively increasing fever in infected people.

🦴

Spondylitis
Backache, pain, and intermittent muscle pain.

🧠

Encephalitis
Severe fatigue, depression, and excessive sweating at night.

❤️

Endocarditis
Heart valves become inflamed and the nervous system can also be affected.

🫁

Organ & Reproductive Impact
Orchitis, reduced sexual potency in men, and damage to the spleen and liver.

🥛 “Inexpensive and good quality goat milk is very tasty. However, unpasteurized or unboiled milk and milk products can cause various diseases.”

🛡️ Prevention Is More Important Than Treatment

There is no effective treatment if a goat gets Brucellosis. The necessary course of action is to remove the diseased animal from the farm. Therefore, prevention is the most critical step every goat farmer must take seriously.

Here are the key preventive measures every farmer should follow:

Farmer disinfecting a goat shed to prevent brucellosis spread on a rural farm

🧴 Disinfection

To destroy Brucella bacteria, use regular soap and water, soda, 2.5% bleaching solution, 70% isopropyl alcohol, or iodine-containing Povidone-iodine. Sprinkling slaked lime also helps destroy the bacteria effectively.

🥛 Boil Milk

Pasteurize goat’s milk by heating it continuously at 72°C for 15 seconds (Pasteurization). When using at home, always ensure the milk is boiled thoroughly before consumption.

🔬 Quarantine & Blood Testing

Quarantine new goats for 30 days. During this period, conduct a Rose Bengal Plate Test (blood test) and introduce them to the herd only after confirming they are disease-free.

📞 For more information: Head of Department, ‘SIMFA’, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, Wayanad – 673576.

❓ FAQ

🐐 What is Brucellosis in goats and what causes it?

Brucellosis is a serious bacterial disease in goats caused mainly by Brucella melitensis, a pathogen belonging to the Brucella genus. It affects the reproductive system and major organs of goats and is classified as a zoonotic disease, meaning it can also spread from infected animals to humans through milk, meat, and bodily secretions.

⚠️ Can Brucellosis in goats be cured completely?

No, there is no effective treatment if a goat contracts Brucellosis. Although symptoms like abortion may disappear over time, the pathogens remain in the animal’s body. The recommended course of action is to remove the infected animal from the farm entirely to prevent spreading the disease to the rest of the herd.

🧑‍⚕️ What are the symptoms of Brucellosis in humans?

In humans, Brucellosis can cause Malta Fever (progressively increasing fever), Spondylitis (back and muscle pain), Encephalitis (severe fatigue, depression, night sweating), Endocarditis (heart valve inflammation), orchitis, reduced sexual potency in men, and damage to major organs like the spleen and liver.

🥛 Is goat milk safe to consume if a goat has Brucellosis?

Unpasteurized or unboiled milk from an infected goat is extremely dangerous and can transmit Brucellosis to humans. Always pasteurize goat milk by heating it at 72°C for 15 seconds, or thoroughly boil it before consumption at home. Never consume raw milk from a goat herd that has not been tested for Brucellosis.

🔬 How can Brucellosis be diagnosed in goats?

The Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) is the standard blood test used to confirm Brucellosis in goats. Newly purchased goats should be quarantined for 30 days and tested using this method before being introduced to the existing herd to prevent cross-infection.

🧴 What disinfectants kill Brucella bacteria in a goat farm?

Brucella bacteria can be destroyed using regular soap and water, soda, a 2.5% bleaching solution, 70% isopropyl alcohol, or iodine-based Povidone-iodine. Sprinkling slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) on the farm premises is also an effective method to kill the bacteria and maintain hygiene.

🌍 Is Brucellosis in goats common in India?

Yes, Brucellosis is a recognized disease in Indian goat farming, particularly in states where goat rearing is widespread. Despite being a serious public health concern, it is often not given adequate attention by farmers. Awareness, regular testing, and proper farm hygiene practices are essential to controlling its spread in Indian livestock farms.