Ramadan Approaches: Beware of Unpasteurized Dairy Products
We are just a few days away from the start of Ramadan, a month during which the consumption of dairy products experiences a significant surge. From ricotta to white cheese and including curdled milk (lben and Raïeb), milk and its derivatives become highly sought-after products. Often, it is the raw, unpasteurized dairy products (known as "Arabic" products) that tempt those fasting.
However, while these non-industrial products retain their flavor and nutritional value, the risks associated with them are just as real. This is what Dr. Marwan Zayati, a veterinarian, explained on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, as he warned against consuming unpasteurized dairy products. Invited on National Radio, he emphasized that these products are a vector for transmitting brucellosis, also known as Malta fever, to humans. This disease is commonly found in sheep, goats, and cattle.
The doctor specified that infection can also be transmitted through the meat of infected animals, urging citizens to only buy pasteurized dairy products and to ensure that meat is fully cooked before consumption.
Vaccination and Vigilance: The Key to Prevention
Dr. Zayati stressed the importance of farmers, breeders, and veterinarians wearing gloves when handling infected animals, particularly in cases of epizootic abortion. This is to avoid direct contact with infected tissues or fluids and to prevent contagion. He also reminded listeners that the disease is often asymptomatic in both humans and animals, with the main clinical signs in humans including chronic fever, joint pain, and intense fatigue.
The doctor also called on all professionals in the sector to actively participate in the national vaccination campaign for livestock, which was launched in early February and is scheduled to last until the end of April.
It's worth noting that the dean of veterinarians, Ahmed Rejeb, warned about the risks associated with the proliferation of insects that transmit animal diseases following recent rainfall. He reiterated the call for vaccination of livestock, a crucial measure to ensure the protection of animal health and, by extension, public health.
Brucellosis in Numbers
Brucellosis (or Malta fever) remains a major public health concern, both globally and in Tunisia, due to its endemic nature in breeding areas. In Tunisia, the disease is subject to mandatory reporting.
Although the numbers vary from year to year and from region to region, recent trends (2017) indicate a global incidence rate of 9.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, which translates to approximately 621 new cases reported that year.
The disease primarily affects men (around 65% of cases) and active rural populations (breeders, farmers). The southern part of the country is particularly affected, with the incidence in Gafsa reaching local peaks, sometimes accounting for up to 46% of national cases during certain epidemic outbreaks.
It's also worth noting that over 80% of cases occur in the spring and summer (peaking in May), a period corresponding to the increase in milk production and consumption of raw dairy products.
