France confirms case of bovine brucellosis

The case was confirmed on a farm in Haute-Savoie
calendar icon 13 November 2021
clock icon 2 minute read

The French Ministry of Agriculture and Food confirmed a case of bovine brucellosis on 9 November on a dairy farm in Haute-Savoie. Precautionary measures were taken when suspicions arose on 20 October. As a result, milk from the herd has been diverted and will be used in the manufacturing of pasteurised products where there is no risk of disease transmission. 

France had been officially free of the disease since 2005. Since 2012 there has been a resurgence with outbreaks of infection in ibex populations. As a result, brucellosis surveillance has been strengthened in dairy herds in the area. The Ministry believes heightened surveillance was key to the early detection of this case.

Brucellosis in cattle farming is a disease that leads mandatory eradication. In accordance with EU Regulation 689/2020 and the Ministerial Order of 22 April 2008, all cattle in the contaminated herd will have to be slaughtered.

Following the consumption of fresh raw milk dairy products from infected animals, the infection can be transmitted to humans. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals.  Cheese that has been matured for more than 60 days or consumed after cooking do not pose a risk to consumers.

The Ministry said epidemiological investigations are currently underway. The aim is to understand the origin of contamination in this particular herd. Farmers will be compensated for losses occurred in compliance with European and national regulations.

 

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