A 2016 case of brucellosis in a Texas man highlights the risks associated with consuming raw milk. Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that primarily affects cattle but can also be transmitted to humans and other animals through raw milk consumption or exposure to fetal fluids during calving.
In the past, brucellosis was more common in Texas but has become rare due to vaccination and testing of cattle. However, the disease still exists in some areas, making it crucial to take preventive measures. Pasteurization, a process that involves heating milk to kill harmful organisms, is an effective way to eliminate the bacteria responsible for brucellosis and other diseases. Unfortunately, raw milk is not pasteurized, making it a potential source of infection, even for dogs.
Who Can Be Affected?
Brucellosis can affect various animals, including sheep, goats, pigs, and horses, causing symptoms like fistulous withers in horses (a draining tract at the withers) and vertebrae infections in dogs.
In humans, brucellosis can lead to flu-like symptoms such as fever, sweats, decreased appetite, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. The condition is known as undulant fever because it can recur over long periods and may result in heart valve infection, liver and spleen swelling, and abortion in pregnant women.
While death from brucellosis is rare, many people experience recurring symptoms that can last a lifetime. Antibiotics are effective in treating the disease in most cases, but prevention is crucial due to the potential risks involved.
Drinking raw milk or feeding it to pets, as well as feeding raw meat to pets, poses serious dangers to you and your family. It is essential to prioritize food safety and choose pasteurized milk and cooked meat products to minimize the risk of contracting brucellosis and other foodborne illnesses.
Working closely with a trusted vet to create a specific diet plan for your pet can help avoid unplanned illnesses and contraction of diseases.
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