Brucellosis in Goats: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Guidelines

Brucellosis in goats, primarily caused by Brucella melitensis, leads to severe reproductive issues like abortions and infertility. Effective prevention involves strict biosecurity, rigorous testing of new and existing animals, vaccination where permitted, and prompt culling of infected goats. Prioritizing these steps is crucial for herd health and preventing human infection.

Do you own goats? Are you worried about diseases that can harm your herd? Brucellosis is a serious concern for goat owners worldwide. It can cause major problems, from losing baby goats to making your animals unable to reproduce. It’s frustrating to see your goats get sick, and the economic impact can be devastating. But don’t worry! You’ve come to the right place. This guide will make understanding brucellosis easy, offering practical steps you can take. We’ll walk through what causes it, what signs to look for, and most importantly, how to keep your goats safe and healthy.

Understanding Brucellosis in Goats

Brucellosis is a highly contagious bacterial disease that affects many types of animals, including goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, and even humans. In goats, the primary culprit is a specific bacterium called Brucella melitensis. This bacterium is particularly adapted to caprine (goat) species and is responsible for significant economic losses in goat farming due to its impact on reproduction. Beyond goats, B. melitensis is also a major public health concern because it can easily spread to humans, causing a debilitating illness known as undulant fever or Malta fever.

Unlike some diseases that show obvious signs of sickness, brucellosis often manifests subtly in goats, primarily affecting their reproductive systems. This makes early detection challenging but incredibly important. The disease can spread rapidly within a herd, turning a minor issue into a widespread problem if not managed properly. Understanding the nature of this disease, its specific causes, and how it behaves is the first step in protecting your valuable herd.

Causes of Brucellosis in Goats

The main cause of brucellosis in goats is infection with the bacterium Brucella melitensis. While other Brucella species like B. abortus (more common in cattle) or B. ovis (in sheep) can occasionally infect goats, B. melitensis is by far the most significant and prevalent strain in goat populations globally. These bacteria are Gram-negative, intracellular pathogens, meaning they can survive and multiply inside the host’s cells, making them difficult for the animal’s immune system to clear.

The bacteria primarily target the reproductive organs and lymph nodes, but they can also be found in other tissues, including the udder, joints, and spleen. Infected animals shed the bacteria in large numbers, particularly during reproductive events, creating a highly contaminated environment. The persistence of the bacteria in the environment and within carrier animals contributes to the challenge of eradicating the disease.

How Brucellosis Spreads Among Goats

Brucellosis is highly contagious, and its spread within a goat herd, and between herds, occurs through several key pathways. Understanding these routes is critical for implementing effective prevention strategies.

• Contact with Aborted Materials: This is the most common and significant route of transmission. When an infected goat aborts, the placenta, fetal fluids, and the aborted fetus itself are heavily contaminated with Brucella bacteria. Other goats in the herd can become infected by licking, sniffing, or ingesting these contaminated materials.
• Ingestion of Contaminated Feed and Water: Bacteria shed from infected animals (via vaginal discharges, urine, milk, or feces) can contaminate pastures, feed, and water sources. Goats can then ingest these contaminated materials.
• Direct Contact: Close contact between infected and susceptible animals, especially during breeding or in crowded conditions, can facilitate transmission. Infected bucks can transmit the bacteria to does during mating.
• Milk: Infected does shed bacteria in their milk. Kids can become infected by drinking contaminated milk from their mothers. This also poses a significant risk for human consumption of raw milk and dairy products.
• Semen: Infected bucks can have bacteria in their semen, transmitting the disease during natural breeding or through artificial insemination if proper precautions are not taken.
• Contaminated Environment: Brucella bacteria can survive in the environment for varying periods, especially in cool, moist conditions. Contaminated pens, bedding, equipment, and even clothing or boots of handlers can act as fomites, spreading the disease.
• Introduction of Infected Animals: Bringing new, untested animals into an existing herd is a primary way the disease enters a previously clean flock.

The highly infectious nature of aborted materials means that a single abortion can rapidly infect an entire herd if not managed immediately and effectively. This emphasizes the need for swift action and strict biosecurity protocols.

Symptoms of Brucellosis in Goats

Identifying brucellosis in goats can be challenging because many infected animals may not show obvious signs of illness, acting as asymptomatic carriers. However, when symptoms do appear, they primarily affect the reproductive system. Recognizing these signs is crucial for early detection and preventing further spread.

Category	Common Symptoms	Less Common / Other Symptoms
Reproductive (Does)	Late-term abortions (often in the last trimester), stillbirths, birth of weak or sickly kids, retained placenta, infertility, reduced conception rates, vaginal discharge after abortion.	Metritis (uterine inflammation), reduced milk yield, mastitis (udder inflammation, usually chronic).
Reproductive (Bucks)	Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis), orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), testicular atrophy, reduced fertility, lameness due to joint involvement.	Swollen joints (arthritis), especially knee and hock joints.
General / Systemic	Often asymptomatic (no visible signs), intermittent fever (rarely observed in goats), generalized weakness (in severe cases).	Lymph node enlargement, occasional lameness or hygromas (fluid-filled swellings, usually over joints).

Detailed Look at Key Symptoms:

• Abortion: This is the hallmark symptom in female goats. Abortions typically occur in the last trimester of pregnancy (around 3-4 months gestation). However, they can happen earlier or later, and sometimes infected does may carry to term but deliver weak or stillborn kids. It’s important to note that not all abortions are due to brucellosis, but any abortion should prompt investigation.
• Retained Placenta: Following an abortion or even a full-term birth, an infected doe may fail to expel the placenta completely. This can lead to secondary bacterial infections and further reproductive complications.
• Infertility: Both male and female goats can experience reduced fertility. Does may fail to conceive, or they may reabsorb fetuses early in pregnancy. Bucks may have reduced sperm quality or libido due to testicular inflammation.
• Epididymitis and Orchitis in Bucks: Male goats can develop inflammation of the epididymis (the tube that stores and carries sperm) and/or the testicles. This can cause swelling, pain, and eventual atrophy of the testicles, leading to permanent infertility.
• Mastitis: While not as common as in cattle, chronic mastitis (inflammation of the udder) can occur in infected does, leading to reduced milk production and changes in milk quality. The bacteria are shed in the milk, posing a risk to kids and humans.
• Arthritis and Lameness: In some cases, *Brucella* bacteria can localize in the joints, causing inflammation (arthritis) and lameness. This is less common than reproductive signs but can be a persistent issue in affected animals.

The insidious nature of brucellosis, with many goats showing no outward signs of illness, makes regular testing and strict biosecurity paramount. Even seemingly healthy animals can be carriers and shed the bacteria, infecting others.

Diagnosing Brucellosis in Goats

Accurate and timely diagnosis of brucellosis is crucial for controlling its spread and protecting both animal and human health. Given that many infected goats are asymptomatic, relying solely on clinical signs is insufficient. A combination of laboratory tests and veterinary expertise is essential.

Key Diagnostic Methods:

1. Serological Tests (Blood Tests): These tests detect antibodies produced by the goat’s immune system in response to a Brucella infection. They are the most common and practical diagnostic tools for herd screening.
   • Rose Bengal Test (RBT): A rapid plate agglutination test often used for initial screening due to its speed and simplicity. Positive results usually require confirmation with other tests.
   • Complement Fixation Test (CFT): A more sensitive and specific test, often used as a confirmatory test following a positive RBT.
   • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): Highly sensitive and specific, ELISA tests can detect antibodies even at low levels and are often used for large-scale screening programs. There are various ELISA formats, including competitive ELISA, which can differentiate between vaccinated and infected animals in some cases.
   • Fluorescence Polarization Assay (FPA): A rapid, automated test that can be used for screening and confirmation.

   Limitations of Serological Tests: Animals in the early stages of infection may not yet have produced detectable antibodies (false negatives). Conversely, vaccinated animals may test positive, which can complicate interpretation without proper records or specific differentiating tests.

2. Bacteriological Culture: This is the gold standard for definitive diagnosis. It involves isolating and identifying the Brucella bacteria directly from tissue samples or bodily fluids.
   • Samples: Most commonly, samples are taken from aborted fetuses (stomach contents, lung, liver), placentas, vaginal discharges, milk, lymph nodes, or semen.
   • Procedure: Samples are cultured on specialized media in a biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory due to the high zoonotic risk of handling live Brucella bacteria. Growth of the bacteria is then confirmed through biochemical tests and molecular methods.

   Limitations: This method is time-consuming (can take several weeks), expensive, and carries a significant risk to laboratory personnel. It’s usually performed in reference laboratories for confirmation or outbreak investigation rather than routine screening.

3. Molecular Tests (PCR): Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests detect the genetic material (DNA) of Brucella bacteria in samples.
   • Advantages: PCR is very sensitive, rapid, and can detect bacteria even when they are not viable (e.g., in preserved tissues). It can be used on a variety of samples, including blood, tissues, and milk.
   • Use: Increasingly used for rapid diagnosis, particularly in suspected abortion cases or for screening purposes.
4. Milk Ring Test (MRT): While primarily used for cattle, a modified MRT can sometimes be applied to bulk tank milk samples from goat herds for preliminary screening. It detects antibodies in milk. However, its sensitivity in goats can be variable.

Importance of Veterinary Consultation

It is crucial to work closely with a veterinarian experienced in livestock diseases for brucellosis diagnosis. They can recommend the most appropriate tests based on your herd’s history, clinical signs, and local regulations. They will also ensure samples are collected safely and correctly, and interpret test results, especially considering vaccination status and potential cross-reactions.

In the event of an abortion, immediately contact your veterinarian. They will guide you on how to safely handle and submit samples for diagnosis, minimizing the risk of exposure to yourself and other animals.

Prevention Guidelines for Brucellosis in Goats

Preventing brucellosis in your goat herd is far more effective and less costly than trying to eradicate it once it’s established. A multi-faceted approach involving strict biosecurity, regular testing, strategic vaccination, and careful management of new animals is essential. Here are comprehensive guidelines:

1. Strict Biosecurity Measures

Biosecurity refers to the practices designed to prevent the introduction and spread of disease agents onto and within a farm. For brucellosis, robust biosecurity is paramount.

• Closed Herd Policy: The safest approach is to maintain a closed herd, meaning you do not introduce any new animals. If you must introduce new animals, follow strict quarantine and testing protocols (see below).
• Quarantine New Animals: Any new goat entering your farm, regardless of its origin or health certificate, must be quarantined. This means isolating them completely from your existing herd for at least 30-60 days. During this period, perform at least two brucellosis tests, ideally with the second test taken towards the end of the quarantine period. Consider testing twice at a 30-day interval to catch animals that might be incubating the disease.
• Control Access: Limit visitors to your farm, especially those who have been on other livestock farms. If visitors must enter, ensure they wear clean clothes and disinfected boots. Provide disposable boot covers if possible.
• Disinfection: Regularly clean and disinfect pens, equipment, and vehicles, especially after moving animals or if an abortion occurs. Use disinfectants effective against bacteria.
• Isolation of Sick Animals: Immediately isolate any goat showing signs of illness, especially reproductive problems like abortion, until a diagnosis is made.
• Proper Disposal of Aborted Materials: Aborted fetuses, placentas, and contaminated bedding are highly infectious. Handle them with extreme caution, wearing protective gloves and masks. These materials should be promptly and safely disposed of, preferably by incineration or deep burial, to prevent scavengers or other animals from spreading the contamination.
• Rodent and Wildlife Control: Implement effective rodent and wildlife control programs, as these animals can potentially carry and spread bacteria.
• Farm Perimeter Security: Consider fencing to prevent your goats from having contact with neighboring livestock or stray animals that could be infected.

2. Vaccination

Vaccination can be an effective tool in brucellosis control programs, particularly in endemic areas. The most widely used vaccine for goats is the live attenuated Brucella melitensis Rev 1 vaccine.

• Rev 1 Vaccine: This vaccine provides good protection against B. melitensis infection. It is typically administered to young female goats (kids) between 3-6 months of age.
  • Considerations:
    • Live Vaccine: Rev 1 is a live vaccine, meaning it contains weakened but living bacteria. This provides robust immunity but also means it can cause disease in humans if accidentally injected or if proper handling precautions are not followed. It can also cause abortions if given to pregnant animals.
    • Regulatory Restrictions: The use of Rev 1 vaccine is often highly regulated by government veterinary authorities. In some countries, it may only be used in areas where brucellosis is widespread, or its use may be restricted or prohibited in areas aiming for eradication, as vaccinated animals can test positive on some serological tests.
    • Zoonotic Risk: Handlers must wear gloves and eye protection when administering the vaccine to avoid accidental self-inoculation.
• Consult Local Authorities: Always consult your local veterinarian and relevant government animal health authorities regarding the availability, legality, and recommendations for brucellosis vaccination in your region.

3. Testing and Culling

Regular testing of your herd and prompt removal (culling) of positive animals are critical for eradicating brucellosis from a herd and maintaining its disease-free status.

• Routine Herd Testing: Implement a regular testing schedule for your entire herd. Annual testing is often recommended, but more frequent testing may be necessary in high-risk areas or if a new infection is suspected. Test all breeding animals, including bucks.
• Pre-Breeding Testing: Test all animals before the breeding season to ensure that only brucellosis-free animals are used for reproduction.
• Testing After Abortion: If an abortion occurs, test the affected doe and her herd mates immediately.
• Culling Positive Animals: Any goat that tests positive for brucellosis should be immediately isolated and humanely culled (slaughtered). These animals remain a source of infection for the rest of the herd and pose a public health risk. Do not sell or move infected animals to other farms.
• Slaughter Procedures: If positive animals are sent to slaughter, ensure the facility is aware of their status and handles them appropriately to prevent contamination of the facility or other animals.

4. Management of New Animals

The introduction of new animals is one of the most common ways brucellosis enters a clean herd. Strict protocols are essential:

• Source Animals Carefully: Purchase animals only from certified brucellosis-free herds or areas with official brucellosis eradication programs. Always request health certificates and testing records.
• Pre-Purchase Testing: Insist on brucellosis testing of animals before purchase and transport.
• Post-Arrival Quarantine and Retesting: Even with pre-purchase testing, quarantine and retest new animals upon arrival, as described under biosecurity.

5. Public Health Considerations (Zoonotic Nature)

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. In humans, it causes undulant fever (also known as Malta fever or Mediterranean fever), which can lead to chronic, debilitating symptoms affecting various organ systems.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When handling aborted materials, assisting with difficult births, or working with potentially infected animals, always wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, masks, and protective clothing.
• Avoid Raw Dairy Products: Never consume raw (unpasteurized) milk or dairy products from goats (or any other livestock) unless you are absolutely certain they come from brucellosis-free herds. Pasteurization effectively kills Brucella bacteria.
• Proper Meat Handling: While meat is less of a risk, proper hygiene during slaughter and cooking meat thoroughly is always recommended.
• Educate Farm Workers: Ensure all farm workers and family members are aware of the risks and prevention measures.
• Seek Medical Attention: If you experience flu-like symptoms (fever, sweats, joint pain, fatigue) after exposure to goats, especially if abortions have occurred, seek medical attention and inform your doctor about potential brucellosis exposure.

By diligently implementing these prevention guidelines, goat owners can significantly reduce the risk of brucellosis, protect their herd’s health and productivity, and safeguard public health.

Living with Brucellosis: Management Strategies for Infected Herds

Discovering brucellosis in your herd can be a devastating experience. While eradication is the ultimate goal, the immediate priority is to manage the infection to minimize its impact and prevent further spread. This requires a comprehensive and disciplined approach, often under the guidance of veterinary authorities.

1. Immediate Containment and Isolation

• Isolate Positive Animals: As soon as a goat tests positive, immediately separate it from the rest of the herd. Ideally, move it to a completely separate facility or pasture where it cannot have any contact with uninfected animals.
• Isolate Suspect Animals: Any animal showing clinical signs suggestive of brucellosis (e.g., abortion, retained placenta) should also be immediately isolated pending diagnostic test results.
• Restrict Movement: Implement strict movement restrictions for all animals on the farm. No animals should enter or leave the premises without explicit veterinary approval.

2. Eradication Through Test and Cull

The most effective strategy for controlling and ultimately eradicating brucellosis from an infected herd is the “test and cull” method.

• Repeated Testing: Conduct repeated whole-herd testing at regular intervals (e.g., every 30-60 days) until the entire herd tests negative on at least two consecutive occasions. The exact interval and number of tests will be determined by your veterinarian and local animal health authorities.
• Prompt Culling: Every animal that tests positive on any subsequent test must be immediately and humanely culled. This is non-negotiable for eradication. Positive animals, even if they appear healthy, are carriers and shed bacteria, perpetuating the disease.
• Record Keeping: Maintain meticulous records of all testing dates, individual animal results, and culling actions. This is crucial for tracking progress and for official certification.

3. Environmental Decontamination

Brucella bacteria can survive in the environment, especially in organic matter and cool, moist conditions. Thorough decontamination is vital.

• Clean and Disinfect: After removing infected animals, thoroughly clean and disinfect all pens, shelters, equipment, and any areas where infected animals were housed or where abortions occurred. Remove all organic matter (manure, bedding) before applying disinfectants.
• Effective Disinfectants: Use disinfectants known to be effective against Brucella, such as phenolic compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds, or hypochlorite solutions. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for concentration and contact time.
• Pasture Management: If pastures were contaminated, consider resting them for several weeks or months, or rotating with other livestock species (if safe and permitted) before reintroducing susceptible goats. The bacteria’s survival time in soil varies depending on conditions.

4. Biosecurity Reinforcement

An outbreak highlights weaknesses in biosecurity. Now is the time to reinforce all measures.

• Strict Access Control: Redouble efforts to control access to your farm for people, vehicles, and equipment.
• Personal Hygiene: Ensure all personnel handling animals, especially those involved in cleaning or culling, use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, disposable coveralls, boots) and practice rigorous hand hygiene.
• Prevent Cross-Contamination: Designate separate tools and equipment for potentially infected areas, or thoroughly disinfect them between uses.

5. Management of Reproductive Events

Reproductive events are high-risk periods for transmission.

• Supervise Birthing: Closely monitor pregnant does, especially as they approach their due dates.
• Handle Abortions Safely: In the event of an abortion, treat all materials as highly infectious. Wear full PPE, collect all fetal tissues and membranes, and dispose of them immediately and safely (incineration or deep burial). Thoroughly clean and disinfect the birthing area.

6. Veterinary and Regulatory Oversight

Managing a brucellosis-infected herd is not something to undertake alone. Collaboration with your veterinarian and adherence to local animal health regulations are paramount.

• Veterinary Guidance: Your veterinarian will help you develop a tailored eradication plan, advise on testing protocols, and provide guidance on animal management and biosecurity.
• Reporting Requirements: Brucellosis is a notifiable disease in most countries. You are legally obligated to report suspected or confirmed cases to your local animal health authorities. They will provide guidance and may implement official control measures.
• Financial Assistance: In some regions, government programs may offer financial assistance or compensation for culled animals as part of official eradication efforts. Inquire about such programs.

Living with brucellosis is challenging, but with a committed, systematic “test and cull” strategy combined with stringent biosecurity and expert veterinary guidance, it is possible to eliminate the disease from your herd and regain its healthy, productive status.

The Importance of Veterinary Consultation

Throughout the journey of managing goat health, from routine care to disease outbreaks, the role of a qualified veterinarian cannot be overstated. When it comes to a serious and complex disease like brucellosis, professional veterinary consultation is not just recommended; it is absolutely essential.

Why Your Veterinarian is Indispensable:

1. Accurate Diagnosis: As discussed, brucellosis symptoms can be vague or absent. A veterinarian has the expertise to interpret clinical signs, select the most appropriate diagnostic tests, and correctly interpret laboratory results. They can differentiate brucellosis from other diseases that might cause similar symptoms (e.g., other causes of abortion).
2. Tailored Prevention Plans: Your veterinarian can assess your specific farm’s risks, herd size, and management practices to develop a customized brucellosis prevention program. This includes advising on the most effective biosecurity measures, vaccination strategies (considering local regulations), and testing protocols for your situation.
3. Safe Sample Collection: Collecting samples for brucellosis testing, especially from aborted materials, carries a high zoonotic risk. A veterinarian is trained in safe handling procedures and proper sample submission to minimize your exposure and ensure accurate results.
4. Outbreak Management: If brucellosis is confirmed in your herd, your veterinarian will guide you through the complex process of disease containment, eradication (test and cull), and environmental decontamination. They can help you understand and comply with official reporting requirements and regulations.
5. Treatment Advice (or Lack thereof): While there is no effective treatment for brucellosis in goats, your veterinarian will confirm this and help you understand why culling is the necessary course of action. They can also advise on managing secondary infections or supportive care for affected animals while they await culling.
6. Public Health Protection: Given the zoonotic nature of brucellosis, your veterinarian plays a critical role in advising you on personal safety measures, proper handling of animals and products, and when to seek medical attention for yourself or farm workers.
7. Regulatory Compliance: Brucellosis is a notifiable disease in most jurisdictions. Your veterinarian is knowledgeable about local and national animal health regulations, reporting requirements, and any official control programs in place. They can help you navigate these legal obligations.
8. Herd Health Planning: Beyond brucellosis, a good veterinarian is an invaluable partner in overall herd health management, advising on nutrition, parasite control, breeding programs, and other disease prevention strategies that contribute to a resilient and productive herd.

Do not attempt to self-diagnose or manage brucellosis. The risks to your herd, your livelihood, and your personal health are too great. Establish a strong working relationship with a veterinarian experienced in small ruminants, and involve them at every step of your herd health management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Brucellosis in Goats

Q1: Can humans get brucellosis from goats?

A1: Yes, absolutely. Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. In humans, it’s known as undulant fever or Malta fever. People can get infected by consuming unpasteurized milk or dairy products from infected goats, by direct contact with infected animals (especially during abortions), or by handling contaminated tissues or fluids without proper protection. Always wear gloves and masks when dealing with sick animals or aborted materials, and avoid raw dairy from unknown sources.

Q2: Is there a cure for brucellosis in goats?

A2: Unfortunately, there is no effective and practical cure for brucellosis in goats. While antibiotics can temporarily suppress the bacteria, they do not eliminate the infection, and treated animals remain carriers, shedding bacteria and posing a risk to the rest of the herd and humans. Therefore, the standard and most effective control measure for infected animals is humane culling (slaughter) to prevent further spread and eradicate the disease from the herd.

Q3: How often should I test my goats for brucellosis?

A3: The frequency of testing depends on your herd’s status and local regulations. For brucellosis-free herds, annual testing of all breeding animals is often recommended to maintain disease-free status. If you introduce new animals, they should be quarantined and tested twice, ideally 30-60 days apart, before joining the main herd. In case of an abortion or suspected infection, immediate testing of the affected animal and the entire herd is crucial. Always consult your veterinarian for a specific testing schedule tailored to your farm.

Q4: What should I do if my goat aborts?

A4: If your goat aborts, act quickly and cautiously. First, isolate the aborting doe and the aborted fetus/placenta immediately. Do not allow other animals or people to come into contact with the materials. Wear personal protective equipment (gloves, mask, protective clothing) when handling them. Contact your veterinarian immediately to arrange for safe sample collection for diagnostic testing. Promptly and safely dispose of the aborted materials, preferably by incineration or deep burial, to prevent environmental contamination and spread of potential pathogens.

Q5: Can I sell milk from brucellosis-infected goats?

A5: No, you absolutely should not sell or consume raw milk from brucellosis-infected goats. The bacteria are shed in the milk and pose a significant health risk to humans. In most regions, it is illegal to sell milk from animals infected with brucellosis. Pasteurization effectively kills the bacteria, making the milk safe for consumption, but it’s best to avoid milk from infected animals entirely.

Q6: What is the Rev 1 vaccine for brucellosis in goats?

A6: The Rev 1 vaccine is a live attenuated (weakened) vaccine used to protect goats against Brucella melitensis infection. It provides good immunity but must be handled with extreme care because it is a live vaccine and can cause disease in humans if accidentally injected. Its use is often restricted to specific age groups (usually young females) and is subject to strict regulatory control by veterinary authorities, especially in countries aiming for brucellosis eradication.

Q7: How long can Brucella bacteria survive in the environment?

A7: Brucella bacteria can survive in the environment for varying periods, depending on conditions. They generally survive longer in cool, moist, and dark environments, especially within organic matter like aborted fetal tissues or manure. They can persist for weeks to several months in contaminated soil, water, or bedding. Direct sunlight, heat, and dryness significantly reduce their survival time. This environmental persistence highlights the importance of thorough cleaning and disinfection following an outbreak.