The Health Department of Jalisco, Mexico, confirmed 20 cases of brucellosis linked to the consumption of unpasteurized milk. In response, the government has intensified epidemiological surveillance and educational campaigns targeting rural dairy producers and informal milk vendors to curb the spread of the disease. The incident has raised significant concern in the local dairy and livestock industry, urging greater enforcement of sanitary standards and consumer awareness.
The Health Department of Jalisco, a western state in Mexico, has confirmed 20 cases of brucellosis, a bacterial infection commonly transmitted through the consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products. The cases have triggered a regional health alert and stricter enforcement of dairy hygiene practices.
The department, part of the Jalisco State Government’s Health Secretariat, has responded by ramping up epidemiological surveillance across rural areas, especially where raw milk production and informal sales remain widespread. Officials are working closely with dairy farmers and street vendors to educate them on the dangers of selling or consuming non-pasteurized products.
Brucellosis, caused by Brucella bacteria, leads to symptoms like prolonged fever, excessive sweating, fatigue, and joint pain, and can become chronic if untreated. While preventable, it poses serious public health concerns in communities that rely heavily on informal or home-sourced milk.
In addition to surveillance, Jalisco’s health authorities are emphasizing preventive education over punitive action. They’re promoting pasteurization methods and stressing the importance of traceability in the supply chain—a move welcomed by consumer safety advocates.
This outbreak has drawn the attention of stakeholders in Mexico’s dairy and livestock sectors. The informal dairy chain, often unregulated and prevalent in many rural regions, is now under scrutiny for its role in facilitating the spread of zoonotic diseases.
Health officials reaffirm their commitment to supporting farmers and distributors who comply with safety regulations, calling for shared responsibility to ensure that dairy production upholds public health standards.
