Brucellosis in a Virginia Meat-Packing Plant

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Abstract
In a 13-month period, June 1966 through June 1967, 45 male workers in a meat-packing plant in Virginia had clinical brucellosis, confirmed by serological evidence or isolation of Brucella organisms. All cases were related to the kill areas of the plant. A serologic survey of personnel revealed 13 persons with titers for brucellosis but with no history of a related illness. Airflow studies using smoke candles demonstrated that the flow of air within the kill areas tended to pool at the location where the largest concentration of cases occurred; however, this area did not have the highest incidence of infection. No evidence of crossconnections or back siphonage in the plant water system was found. Sera from 2, 275 swine (butcher hogs and sows) were tested; 4.6% were positive, with sows showing 6.1%. Six isolates of Brucella svis were made by means of air samplers and settling plates; these isolates suggests the possibility of infection by the aerosol route.

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