Understanding brucellosis: Protecting the health of your beef herd

Brucellosis is a serious but underestimated threat to livestock in South Africa.

- Koos du Pisanie

“Sadly, the true extent of the disease in the country is unclear, largely because not all producers test their herds,” explains Dr Sewellyn Davey, former state veterinarian from Malmesbury.

"While dairy cattle are regularly tested in accordance with regulations relating to milk production, testing is not compulsory for beef herds, except when part of a registered stud operation."

Although the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act 35 of 1984) provides excellent systems such as the brucellosis control scheme, challenges persist. Many producers continue to neglect to vaccinate their heifers, cases often go unreported, and limited manpower makes it difficult to monitor the occurrence, spread, and prevention of the disease.

Quarantine procedure

Quarantine measures are essential to safeguard fellow producers. Breeders are required to isolate all positive female animals and bulls, and conduct tests every six to eight weeks. The herd remains under movement restrictions until it records three consecutive negative results, followed by a fourth negative test six months later. If the producer opts to retain high-risk heifers, a fifth negative test must be conducted 12 months thereafter.