Tomball man contracts brucellosis from feral hogs

HOUSTON — James Belcher developed symptoms that turned out to have nothing to do with swine flu but everything to do with hogs.

Doctors earlier this year diagnosed the 76-year-old Tomball resident with brucellosis.

"It has been a nightmare," said Belcher, who picked up the disease from feral hogs that have rooted through parts of his property in Cherokee County.

Belcher's brucellosis was traced to him cleaning a feral hog in March. Belcher and his son butchered one of the many feral hogs they had shot or trapped.

"People need to know that they should be cautious when they handle those pigs, and always wear gloves," he said. "I wouldn't want what's happened to me to happen to anybody."

Belcher faces months of more treatment for the disease, which is caused by a bacteria linked to feral hogs. An estimated 2 million of the wild creatures roam Texas.

The Houston Chronicle reported Thursday that about 10 percent of Texas feral hogs test positive for brucellosis bacteria, but the rate in eastern parts of the state has been known to be higher. The disease can cause pregnant animals to prematurely abort their young.

In humans, brucellosis can cause flulike symptoms such as fever, chills, aching muscles, intense joint pain, nausea and fatigue. Human fatalities are rare.

Belcher was diagnosed with brucellosis following surgery for an aortic aneurysm.

"The pain was incredible," he said. "That first week, I honestly can say I didn't care if I lived of died it was that bad."

A physician with experience dealing in brucellosis in South America helped diagnose Belcher, offering antibiotics in a treatment process he continues today.

"I never used gloves when I cleaned hogs," Belcher said. "I sure wish I had, now."

Same goes for dressing all game animals.