Epidemiological Survey of First Human Brucellosis Outbreak Caused by the Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) — Guizhou Province, China, 2019

What is already known on this topic? Brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Brucella spp. The main source of infection in human brucellosis is sick animals, mainly including sheep, goat, and cattle, but sika deer (Cervus nippon) can also cause human brucellosis. The first human brucellosis case in Guizhou Province was reported in 2009, and no brucellosis outbreak was reported caused by sika deer ever before. What is added by this report? This is the first reported outbreak of human brucellosis caused by sika deer in Guizhou Province. Inappropriate regulation of animal movement may be the main driver of introducing and spreading brucellosis in southern areas. The ability to diagnose brucellosis in both humans and animals was weak in the county where the outbreak took place. What are the implications for public health practice? It was suggested to prioritize occupational protection and health education for sika deer breeders. The inspection of the movement of animals and the reimbursement policy need to be improved.