Control and eradication of brucellosis in small ruminants

Eradication of brucellosis in small ruminants can be achieved mainly by depopulation of infected flocks. This strategy has high cost and involves good organization of farmers and veterinary service, and simultaneously the implementation of strict movement control measures so the disease not to be reintroduced. Eradication with the implementation of test-and-slaughter policy is possible under certain conditions, when sheep and goats flock are under strict control, the type of husbandry is not extensive or nomadic, there is not common grazing or transhumance of the flocks, an efficient identification system of the animals is in place, the financial and other resources are available for long period of time and the veterinary service responsible for the programme is well organized. In case that Brucella melitensis infection is endemic or its prevalence is high in an area, the first step for its eradication must be the control of the disease by immunization of the susceptible animals. The vaccine used for this purpose in small ruminants is REV-1 vaccine. The most efficient strategy for the control of the disease is the vaccination of young and adult animals with REV-1 vaccine administered conjunctivally. This strategy is considered as the most appropriate in cases that the prevalence of infection is high among animals and the type of husbandry is extensive or nomadic. This strategy has been proved the most effective way for the control of brucella infection in small ruminants since the immunity of the flock develops rapidly. Any strategy for the control or eradication of brucellosis in order to be effective must have the support and cooperation of the farmers, must be well planed so that all the resources needed to be available on time, the veterinary service that is responsible must be well organized and has the ability and patience for implementing long-term control and eradication programmes. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.