brucellosis

a disease of farm animals (pigs, cattle, goats) caused by a species of a Gram-negative bacillus, Brucella (see GRAM'S STAIN ). It may be passed to humans through contact with an infected animal or by drinking contaminated, untreated, milk. In cattle the disease causes contagious abortion, but in humans it is characterized by fever, sweats, joint pains, backache and headache.