Brucellosis is a significant bacterial zoonosis affecting domestic and wildlife species, with a notable public health impact. It is characterized by reproductive failure, resulting in substantial economic losses in the livestock industry. Among the thirteen known Brucella species, B. abortus, B. melitensis, B. suis, and B. canis are known to cause infections in humans. While extensive research has been conducted on brucellosis in humans and domestic animals, the situation in wildlife remains incompletely documented and studied.
Prevalence:
Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases worldwide. Several European countries, including Poland, Croatia, and Belgium, have reported the highest prevalence of brucellosis in wild boars, which is predominantly caused by B. suis biovar 2. In marine wildlife, brucellosis has been primarily attributed to B. ceti and B. pinnipedialis, with most samples obtained from carcasses, thus limiting the collection of sera. It is concerning that B. abortus and B. melitensis have been identified in both terrestrial and marine wild animals, posing a potential zoonotic threat to individuals in contact with wildlife. Currently, there are no approved vaccines available for wild animals. The primary challenges entail the development of specific diagnostic tools and their validation for use in wildlife.
