Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme (LH-DCP)

Brucellosis Control Programme

Brucellosis is a reproductive disease of cattle and buffaloes caused by the bacterium Brucella abortus. The disease is characterized by fever, abortion in the last stage of pregnancy, infertility, delayed heat, and interrupted lactation. It results in significant economic losses due to calf mortality, reduced meat, and milk production.

Bovine brucellosis is endemic in India and has been increasing, possibly due to expanded trade and rapid livestock movement. As there is no effective treatment for Brucellosis in bovine animals, prevention through vaccination is the key control measure. The disease can be controlled through a once-in-a-lifetime vaccination of female bovine calves aged 4 to 8 months.