Brucellosis and Maltese goats in the Mediterranean

Abstract

British army doctors studied a fever which affected many servicemen in Malta: now known as the ‘Corps Disease’. Although the organism was found, it was some time before the transmission by goats’ milk was discovered. However, other means of transmission may have been important. About 10% of the milk was infective and measures by the armed forces effectively controlled the disease. For the Maltese, controls were ineffective and cases rose. In 1936 pasteurised milk went on sale. In World War II most goats were eaten, but with peace the disease returned. Eventually strict control measures eliminated the disease – after one small epidemic. Malta Fever, now known as brucellosis was endemic around the Mediterranean. Maltese goats, prized for their prolific milk yield were recognised as carriers of the disease and were sent packing. They had, however, passed on the bacteria to other breeds. Brucellosis is still a serious disease in the region.