Milk historically has been the primary food associated with transmission of which disease in cattle-human transmission?

• A. Brucellosis
• B. Glanders
• C. Melioidosis
• D. Pontiac fever

Answer: (A)

Milk as a transmission route is classic for brucellosis. Brucella bacteria shed in the milk of infected cattle can infect humans who consume unpasteurized dairy products. Historically, this made milk a primary vehicle for cattle-to-human transmission, and pasteurization effectively prevents it by killing the bacteria. The other diseases are not typically spread through milk: glanders mainly transfers via contact with infected animals or their secretions; melioidosis comes from environmental exposure to contaminated soil or water; Pontiac fever is caused by inhaling Legionella from contaminated water aerosols. So brucellosis is the disease most strongly linked to milk consumption in cattle-to-human transmission.