Brucellosis – Algeria

26 cases of human brucellosis have been recorded in Sidi Bel Abbès since January 2022, and the majority during the month of Ramadhan when raw milk and its derivatives (rayeb, whey etc.) are widely consumed by fasters.

Sellers of raw milk will have to equip themselves with a pasteurizer, points of sale will be identified and, the sale governed by an order whose non-compliance will lead to the closure of the business. Unannounced checks will be carried out by the brigades with a firm hand.

Following these cases, the veterinary services, the Trade Directorate and the Health Directorate consult and work for the elaboration of a decree defining the conditions of sale of raw milk to the consumer. There will be talk of a regulatory sale at the level of raw milk outlets. The latter will have to have a pasteurization device to avoid any risk that could alter the quality of milk in order to protect the consumer from diseases including mainly brucellosis which is still reported especially between May and July.Brucellosis, also called Mediterranean fever, Malta fever and undulant fever, is an infection spread from animals to people, mostly by consumption of unpasteurised dairy products or undercooked meat from infected animals.

Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that affects thousands of people worldwide. Avoiding unpasteurised dairy products and taking precautions when working with animals can help prevent brucellosis.

Symptoms may include joint and muscle pain, fever, weight loss and fatigue. Some people develop stomach pain and cough.

Treatment includes a combination of antibiotics for several weeks. Relapses are common.