There are four species of the Gram-negative, aerobic brucella bacillus, each comprising several biovars: Brucella melitensis (‘Malta fever’, most commonly associated with goats, sheep, and camels), B. abortus (cattle), B. suis (pigs), and B. canis (dogs). The disease that they cause—brucellosis—occurs worldwide, but is especially prevalent in the Mediterranean region, the Indian subcontinent, Mexico, and Central and South America. Transmission is commonly by ingestion of untreated dairy products or other contaminated foods, but can also be by inhalation or inoculation....