Investigation of Brucellosis Caused by Raw Goat Milk — Fujian Province, China, April–June, 2019

• Authors: Mu Di, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Zhongfa Tao, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Weiping Hua, Zhangping County Center for Disease Control; Jiandong Chen, Zhangping County Center for Disease Control; Jingming Cao, Zhangping County Center for Disease Control; Yanqin Deng, Fujian Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Huihui Liu, Chinese Field Epidemiology Training Program; Lijie Zhang, Chinese Field Epidemiology Training Program; Yishan Chen, Emory University; Qiulan Chen, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Wenwu Yin, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• Journal Title: China CDC Weekly
• Volume: Volume 3, Number 20
• Publisher: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention | 2021-05-14, Pages 430-433
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.46234/ccdcw2021.111
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Epidemiology
• Keywords: Raw Goat Milk; Brucellosis; patient illness

Abstract

Summary What is already known about this topic? Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases in China. Goat milk and dairy products are essential pathways for foodborne transmission of brucellosis. Pasteurization can completely kill Brucella spp. in milk, and milk-borne transmission is mainly related to unhealthy dietary hygiene habits and insufficient epidemic control among animals. What is added by this report? This epidemic is the first outbreak of brucellosis in Zhangping City, Fujian Province. A total of 6 confirmed cases were found, and the onset time was from April to June 2019. The investigation suggested that the transmission chain of the epidemic included a private butcher, an infected goat from the north, a dairy farmer, close contact spread, unsterilized goat milk, and consumers drinking raw goat milk. What are the implications for public health practices? For the non-endemic area of brucellosis, preventing the import of infected animals and enhancing the practitioner’s and the public’s awareness of disease prevention has important public health significance. It is necessary to strengthen the transregional quarantine of livestock, the food safety inspection and management, and the practitioners’ and public’s awareness of food safety.