Calves are often born immature and weak. Inflammation of the uterus and excessive vaginal discharge are common signs which often result in reproductive failure or breeding difficulties in cattle and possibly in reindeer. Chronic infections of bones and joints occur in livestock and reindeer, resulting in lameness and abscesses. No significant signs of brucellosis have been reported in deer, moose or elk. Pathology Brucella infection in ruminants usually localizes in the pregnant uterus and associated tissues.
Abortions usually occur late in the gestation period and are followed by retained fetal membranes.
Carpal bursitis is the most common condition associated with brucellosis in Siberian reindeer. The common method for diagnosing brucellosis is the plate agglutination test. This is accomplished by mixing a drop of serum from the suspect animal with a drop of Brucella antigen. Clumping indicates infection. If the mixture remains clear, the result is negative.