Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of a human brucellosis outbreak in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, and provide evidence for the prevention and control of brucellosis.

Methods Field epidemiological survey and laboratory test were conducted for the human brucellosis outbreak in a local livestock farm in June 2023 to identify infection source and transmission route. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the investigation results and laboratory detection data.

Results A total of 4 brucellosis cases and 2 latent infection cases were found in the farm from April 1 to August 15 in 2023. The main clinical manifestations were recurrent fever, fatigue, muscle and joint soreness, and orchitis. In the 4 cases, 3 were engaged in the management or raising of sick goats, and 1 participated in the harmless treatment of sick goats. The serological test results showed that 55 goats in the farm were positive for Brucella (94.83%, 55/58). The investigation indicated that the positive goats might be imported from Tongxiang in Zhejiang.

Conclusion In this brucellosis outbreak, infection occurred in the harmless treatment process of sick goats. In the future, the workers involved in harmless treatment of sick animals should be included in the occupational surveillance, and health education should be carried out to reduce the risk for brucellosis.