Maasai woman boiling milk to prevent brucellosis.

Unveiling the Hidden Dangers: Brucellosis Risks in Pastoral Communities

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how traditional practices in Kenyan pastoralist communities increase the risk of brucellosis, a debilitating zoonotic disease, and what can be done to protect vulnerable populations."

Brucellosis, a disease that silently impacts communities worldwide, is particularly prevalent in areas where traditional livestock practices are common. Ranked among the top five priority zoonoses in Kenya, brucellosis poses a significant socio-economic burden, especially for those in traditional, livestock-keeping communities. This bacterial infection, transmissible from animals to humans, often goes undiagnosed, leading to chronic health issues and economic instability.

A recent study conducted in a pastoralist community in South-West Kenya sheds light on the risk factors that contribute to the spread of brucellosis. The study, which took place in Kajiado County, focused on the Maasai people, a community deeply rooted in livestock farming. By examining the daily practices and health outcomes of this population, researchers uncovered critical insights into how brucellosis is transmitted and what interventions can be most effective.

This article delves into the findings of the Kenyan study, revealing the specific behaviors that elevate the risk of brucellosis transmission. More importantly, it highlights practical steps that can be taken to mitigate these risks, offering a pathway towards improved health and economic stability for pastoral communities.

How Traditional Practices Fuel Brucellosis Transmission

Maasai woman boiling milk to prevent brucellosis.

The study in Kajiado County employed a case-control design, comparing individuals diagnosed with brucellosis to those without the infection. Cases were defined by clinical symptoms such as fever and joint pain, along with a positive result on a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test (c-ELISA). Controls, on the other hand, were individuals visiting the same healthcare facilities who tested negative for brucellosis. This approach allowed researchers to pinpoint specific risk factors prevalent among the Maasai community.

Several factors emerged as significant contributors to brucellosis transmission. The most notable included:

Consuming Un-boiled Raw Milk: Drinking raw milk, a common practice in many pastoral communities, was strongly associated with brucellosis infection. Raw milk can harbor Brucella bacteria, which are effectively eliminated through boiling.
Assisting Animals in Delivery: Assisting livestock during childbirth, especially without protective gear, also presented a significant risk. Brucella bacteria tend to concentrate in the reproductive organs and fluids of infected animals, increasing the likelihood of transmission during delivery.
Handling Skins and Hides: Contact with animal skins and hides, especially if the animals are infected, poses a risk. Brucella can survive for extended periods in these materials, making proper handling and hygiene crucial.

These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions that address these specific practices. While cultural traditions and economic constraints often dictate these behaviors, education and access to resources can empower communities to make safer choices.

Empowering Communities Through Education and Prevention

The study’s conclusions emphasize the importance of tailored public health interventions in pastoral communities. Education on brucellosis transmission and prevention, coupled with access to protective equipment and safe food preparation practices, can significantly reduce the burden of this disease. Boiling milk, using protective gear when assisting animals, and practicing proper hygiene when handling animal products are simple yet effective measures that can protect both individuals and communities.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1186/s13104-018-3961-x, Alternate LINK

Title: Risk Factors For Human Brucellosis Among A Pastoralist Community In South-West Kenya, 2015

Subject: General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Journal: BMC Research Notes

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Mathew Muturi, Austine Bitek, Athman Mwatondo, Eric Osoro, Doris Marwanga, Zeinab Gura, Phillip Ngere, Zipporah Nganga, S. M. Thumbi, Kariuki Njenga

Published: 2018-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is brucellosis and why is it a concern in Kenyan pastoralist communities?

Brucellosis is a bacterial infection transmitted from animals to humans, particularly prevalent in livestock-keeping communities like the Maasai people in Kajiado County, Kenya. It's one of the top five priority zoonoses in Kenya. The disease often goes undiagnosed, leading to chronic health issues and economic instability. Transmission occurs through practices such as consuming unboiled raw milk, assisting animals in delivery without protection, and handling infected animal skins and hides. If left unaddressed, brucellosis can perpetuate a cycle of poor health and poverty within these communities. Addressing the disease involves a combination of education, preventive measures, and changes in traditional practices.

What specific traditional practices in Kajiado County were identified as increasing the risk of brucellosis transmission?

The study in Kajiado County pinpointed that consuming unboiled raw milk, assisting animals in delivery without protective gear, and handling skins and hides are significant contributors to brucellosis transmission within the Maasai community. These practices expose individuals to Brucella bacteria, which are present in raw milk and concentrated in the reproductive fluids of infected animals. The study highlights the need for education and resources to empower communities to adopt safer practices.

What practical steps can be taken to reduce the risk of brucellosis in livestock-keeping communities?

To mitigate the risk of brucellosis transmission, the most effective measures include boiling milk before consumption to eliminate Brucella bacteria. Additionally, using protective gear, such as gloves and masks, when assisting animals during childbirth is crucial to prevent direct contact with infectious fluids. Practicing proper hygiene when handling animal products, especially skins and hides, minimizes the risk of exposure. These actions, when consistently applied, can significantly reduce the incidence of brucellosis.

How can education and prevention empower communities to protect themselves from brucellosis?

Education and prevention are vital tools for empowering pastoralist communities to combat brucellosis. Educating individuals about the risks associated with consuming unboiled raw milk, assisting animals in delivery without protection, and handling infected animal skins and hides is essential. Providing access to protective equipment and promoting safe food preparation practices further reduces the risk of transmission. Public health interventions should be tailored to the specific needs and cultural contexts of these communities to ensure effectiveness and sustainability. Ignoring the cultural aspect could lead to rejection of interventions.

Why do traditional practices that increase brucellosis risk persist in Kenyan pastoralist communities, and how can these barriers be overcome?

The persistence of traditional practices like consuming unboiled raw milk in Kenyan pastoralist communities is often rooted in cultural norms and economic constraints. Raw milk is a dietary staple, and boiling it may alter its taste or perceived nutritional value. Similarly, using protective gear when assisting animals during delivery may be seen as impractical or unaffordable. Overcoming these barriers requires culturally sensitive educational campaigns that highlight the health risks while respecting traditional practices. Additionally, providing affordable access to protective equipment and promoting alternative food preparation methods can facilitate the adoption of safer behaviors.