Safeguarding public and animal health
Quick links
Brucellosis surveillance
The Brucellosis Group at VLA supports Defra by overseeing extensive surveillance programs to ensure that GB remains free of brucellosis.
Brucellosis of cattle is still present in many countries, including several countries of the European Union. This means that prevention of brucellosis in Great Britain relies on thorough checks of imported cattle and continuous herd surveillance. Surveillance, overseen by VLA, is based on monthly testing of bulk milk samples from dairy herds.
In addition, farmers are legally required to notify Animal Health of any abortions or premature calvings taking place in their herd - this applies to both dairy and beef herds. Samples are then tested to exclude the presence of Brucella.
Although historically, brucellosis of sheep, goats and pigs has not been a problem in the UK, VLA also undertakes surveillance of these species to ensure continued freedom from disease. We are also actively involved in characterisation of novel isolates of Brucella, the causative agent of brucellosis, from marine mammals in UK waters.