Seal autopsy without face mask uncovers dangerous brucella infection

After the employee examined the boil, it was discovered that the animal was carrying brucella, an infectious agent that can cause diseases with serious consequences and limited possibility of cure, writes Arbetet.

The disease caused by the bacteria is a zoonosis that can be transmitted between animals and humans.

Finding brucella is "absolutely unusual," the museum's unit manager Tove Rosenblom tells the newspaper.

The incident was reported to the Swedish Work Environment Authority, which sees a deficiency in the fact that the employees did not use face protection during the autopsy.

In this case, it did not lead to any harm, but could have, according to the authority, which is now demanding improvements in training on infection risks and protective equipment.