Retrospective benefit-cost analysis of bovine brucellosis control in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

From 2001, due to the launching of the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis, Brazil began a series of studies aimed at the epidemiological characterization of bovine brucellosis in its federative units. In the state of Mato Grosso, studies conducted in 2003 and 2014 showed a reduction in the prevalence of infected herds from 41.2 % to 24 % and in the prevalence of seropositive animals from 10.2 % to 5.1 %. These results stemmed from the efficient heifer vaccination program with S19 implemented by the state. From this scenario, the present study quantified and compared the benefits and costs of bovine brucellosis control in the state through a financial analysis. When considering private and public costs, the Net Present Value (NPV) was estimated at US$ 37.5 million, the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) was calculated at 31 %, and the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) was 2.3. When considering only the private costs, the NPV was US$ 51.3 million, the IRR was 46 % and the BCR was 3.43, indicating that the cattle producer in Mato Grosso had a return of US$ 3.43 for each US$ 1.00 invested. Therefore, the bovine brucellosis control actions carried out in the state of Mato Grosso between 2003 and 2014 were highly advantageous from the economic point of view. The most rational way to continue decreasing bovine brucellosis prevalences at low cost in the state is to maintain the heifer vaccination program, using the RB51 vaccine in addition to S19.

Economic analysis of bovine brucellosis control in the Rondônia state, Brazil.

Bovine brucellosis, mainly caused by Brucella abortus, is a worldwide distribution anthropozoonosis that causes great economic losses. In 2001, Brazil launched the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (PNCEBT). Contemporaneously, a great effort to characterize the epidemiology of the disease in Brazilian states was started. In the state of Rondônia, a first epidemiological study was carried out in 2004, revealing a prevalence of 35.2% of infected herds and 6.22% of seropositive females. In 2014, after a successful heifer vaccination program with strain 19 (S19), a second study detected a reduction in the prevalence of infected herds to 12.3% and of seropositive females to 1.9%. The present study aimed to quantify and compare the costs and benefits related to the control of bovine brucellosis in the state through an accounting analysis. Vaccinating heifers and performing serological tests to move animals were computed as private costs. The expenditures of the state official veterinary service for brucellosis control were considered public cost. The considered benefits of lowering prevalence were decreased cow replacement, decreased abortions, decreased perinatal and cow mortality, and increased milk production. Considering private and public costs, the net present value (NPV) was estimated at US$ 18.3 million, the internal rate of return (IRR) was calculated at 23%, and the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) was 1.7. When considering only the private costs, the NPV was US$34.9 million, the IRR was 49%, and the BCR was 3.0, meaning that the bovine producer had a return of 3 for each unit of currency invested. The results showed that the bovine brucellosis control measures implemented in the state of Rondônia, which had as its main strategy the vaccination of heifers with S19, produced highly advantageous economic results. The state should continue with its vaccination program, stimulating the use of the RB51 vaccine in addition to S19, to achieve further reductions in prevalence at low cost.

Brucella abortus S19 GFP-tagged vaccine allows the serological identification of vaccinated cattle.

Bovine brucellosis induces abortion in cows, produces important economic losses, and causes a widely distributed zoonosis. Its eradication was achieved in several countries after sustained vaccination with the live attenuated Brucella abortus S19 vaccine, in combination with the slaughtering of serologically positive animals. S19 induces antibodies against the smooth lipopolysaccharide (S-LPS), making difficult the differentiation of infected from vaccinated bovines. We developed an S19 strain constitutively expressing the green fluorescent protein (S19-GFP) coded in chromosome II. The S19-GFP displays similar biological characteristics and immunogenic and protective efficacies in mice to the parental S19 strain. S19-GFP can be distinguished from S19 and B. abortus field strains by fluorescence and multiplex PCR. Twenty-five heifers were vaccinated withS19-GFP (5×109 CFU) by the subcutaneous or conjunctival routes and some boosted with GFP seven weeks thereafter. Immunized animals were followed up for over three years and tested for anti-S-LPS antibodies by both the Rose Bengal test and a competitive ELISA. Anti-GFP antibodies were detected by an indirect ELISA and Western blotting. In most cases, anti-S-LPS antibodies preceded for several weeks those against GFP. The anti-GFP antibody response was higher in the GFP boosted than in the non-boosted animals. In all cases, the anti-GFP antibodies persisted longer, or at least as long, as those against S-LPS. The drawbacks and potential advantages of using the S19-GFP vaccine for identifying vaccinated animals in infected environments are discussed.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for bovine brucellosis in the state of Paraná, Brazil: an analysis after 18 years of ongoing control measures.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of bovine brucellosis (Brucella abortus) in herds and cattle were estimated by a cross-sectional study in the state of Paraná, Brazil. The state was divided into seven regions and a random, two-stage sampling was performed on properties and cattle from each region between 2018 and 2019. Serum samples were collected from 11,592 cows over 24 months from 1,757 properties and a questionnaire was applied to identify potential risk factors. As recommended by the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis (PNCEBT), serological testing for the detection of anti-Brucella antibodies included the buffered plate agglutination test (screening test) and the fluorescence polarization assay (confirmatory test). The seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis on properties and in cattle was 4.87% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.98-5.93%) and 2.24% (95% CI: 1.47-3.41%), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified larger herd size and failure to test for brucellosis as risk factors for the presence of anti-B. abortus antibodies. These results demonstrate no change in the prevalence when comparing initial studies conducted in 2002. Given our findings, it is recommended that policies for brucellosis control include a widespread vaccination program for higher prevalence areas and eradication approach to lower prevalence areas. All steps related to correct immunization of the herds should be verified and improved by training and education. Health education action must be carried out informing farmers about the risks of introducing animals not tested for brucellosis into their herds and the benefits of testing their herds regularly.

Immunoproteomics of Brucella abortus reveals potential of recombinant antigens for discriminating vaccinated from naturally infected cattle.

Brucellosis serodiagnosis is still a challenge and vaccination is the main measure used to control bovine brucellosis, being S19 and RB51 the most currently used vaccines. So, in order to contribute to brucellosis control, a bidimensional (2D) immunoblot-based approach was used to find immunogenic proteins to be used in serodiagnosis, particularly with ability to be employed in DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) strategy. Immunoproteomic profile of Brucella abortus 2308 was analyzed in 2D western blotting using pooled sera from S19 vaccinated animals, RB51 vaccinated animals, B. abortus naturally infected animals and non-vaccinated seronegative animals. Evaluation of the antigens differentially immunoreactive against the groups of sera showed three proteins of particular importance: MDH (malate dehydrogenase) immunoreactive for S19-vaccinated animals, SOD (superoxide dismutase) reactive for infected animals and ABC transporter (multispecies sugar ABC transporter) reactive against sera from vaccinated animals (S19 and RB51). These three proteins were produced in E. coli and tested in an indirect ELISA (I-ELISA). For MDH, comparison between the vaccinated animals (independent of the vaccine used) and the seropositive and seronegative animals in I-ELISA showed significant differences. Data on the I-ELISA using SOD showed that sera from non-vaccinated naturally infected animals exhibited significant difference in comparison with all other groups. Otherwise, sera from vaccinated animals (S19 and RB51) and from non-vaccinated naturally infected animals did not show significant difference in OD values, but they were all significant different from non-vaccinated seronegative animals using ABC transporter as antigen in I-ELISA. In conclusion, together the 2D western blot analysis and the preliminary I-ELISA results suggest that the combined use of MDH and SOD could be successful employed in a LPS-free protein based serodiagnosis approach to detect bovine brucellosis and to discriminate vaccinated from naturally infected animals, in early post-vaccination stages.

Levantamento epidemiológico visando à comparação das prevalências de Brucelose bovina através de “Ring Test” no município de Carmo-RJ, após 9 anos de vacinação de bezerras de 3 a 8 meses de idade / Epidemiological survey to compare the prevalence of bovine Brucellosis through a Ring Test in the city of Carmo-RJ, after 9 years of vaccination of heifers from 3 to 8 months of age

A equipe técnica do Centro Estadual de Pesquisa em Sanidade Animal Geraldo Manhães Carneiro (CEPGM), da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (PESAGRO-RIO), realizou em 2009, levantamento epidemiológico para Brucelose através do teste de triagem Teste do Anel do Leite (TAL) no município de Carmo. Foram testados 30 tanques de expansão, entre eles, comunitários, da Cooperativa e Laticínio local e tanques individuais. Como resultado do teste realizado no CEPGM, observou-se a prevalência de 38% para Brucelose bovina no município, indicando expressiva necessidade de aplicação de medidas de profilaxia e controle. Assim, foi instituída vacinação gratuita no município, em março de 2009. Durante 9 anos e 6 meses ininterruptos, foram vacinadas 18.777 bezerras. Em agosto de 2018, um novo levantamento epidemiológico foi realizado, procurando atingir os mesmos pontos de coleta do levantamento de 2009. Foi observada a prevalência de 6,6% para Brucelose, representando a expressiva redução de 83% na prevalência da doença nos rebanhos do município em questão.(AU)

Certificação e controle de propriedades de produção leiteira livres de brucelose e tuberculose no Estado do Rio de Janeiro: experiência da PESAGRO-RIO na primeira certificação do Estado, os benefícios ao pequeno produtor e a oferta de produtos lácteos de qualidade ao consumidor / Certification and control of brucellosis and tuberculosis free dairy production properties in the State of Rio de Janeiro: experience of PESAGRO-RIO in first certification of the State, the benefits to the small producer and the supply of dairy products of quality to the consumer

A cadeia leiteira do estado do Rio de Janeiro tem grande importância econômica e social. Existem, aproximadamente, 15 mil propriedades rurais produtoras de leite no estado, com 406 mil vacas ordenhadas ao ano, totalizando 45 mil pessoas diretamente ligadas ao leite somente no campo. Este contingente de produtores, produzindo cerca de 513 milhões de litros de leite por ano, gera faturamento anual de R$ 670 milhões no campo. Porém, o desenvolvimento da produção leiteira fluminense não acompanha o crescente mercado consumidor do estado. Os incentivos, por meio de políticas públicas que beneficiem a produção leiteira, sobretudo a familiar, que compreende mais de 78% dos estabelecimentos rurais do estado, devem-se basear principalmente no tripé sanidade, reprodução e nutrição animal, além de incentivos fiscais e de fortalecimento da indústria láctea. O conhecimento da frequência das doenças dos rebanhos leiteiros, dos fatores que condicionam sua presença e possibilitam sua difusão são de fundamental importância no seu controle e/ou erradicação, garantindo, assim, a produção de alimentos seguros, saudáveis e nutritivos, em bases sustentáveis e competitivas. O presente trabalho apresenta a experiência da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Estado de Janeiro (PESAGRO-RIO) na certificação de propriedades livres de Brucelose e Tuberculose, pela implementação de ações de controle e erradicação dessas doenças, por meio do diagnóstico sorológico da Brucelose e pela detecção da Tuberculose em propriedades familiares. O projeto teve como resultado a certificação da primeira propriedade livre de Brucelose e Tuberculose do estado no município de Carmo e a elaboração de uma linha de produção de derivados lácteos com matéria-prima proveniente de propriedades certificadas. Os produtos foram identificados com o “Selo de Qualidade Sanitária”, como ferramenta de agregação de valor, tendo como resultado o aumento de renda dos produtores e a segurança alimentar dos consumidores.(AU)

Certificação e controle de propriedades de produção leiteira livres de brucelose e tuberculose no Estado do Rio de Janeiro: experiência da PESAGRO-RIO na primeira certificação do Estado, os benefícios ao pequeno produtor e a oferta de produtos lácteos de qualidade ao consumidor / Certification and control of brucellosis and tuberculosis free dairy production properties in the State of Rio de Janeiro: experience of PESAGRO-RIO in first certification of the State, the benefits to the small producer and the supply of dairy products of quality to the consumer

A cadeia leiteira do estado do Rio de Janeiro tem grande importância econômica e social. Existem, aproximadamente, 15 mil propriedades rurais produtoras de leite no estado, com 406 mil vacas ordenhadas ao ano, totalizando 45 mil pessoas diretamente ligadas ao leite somente no campo. Este contingente de produtores, produzindo cerca de 513 milhões de litros de leite por ano, gera faturamento anual de R$ 670 milhões no campo. Porém, o desenvolvimento da produção leiteira fluminense não acompanha o crescente mercado consumidor do estado. Os incentivos, por meio de políticas públicas que beneficiem a produção leiteira, sobretudo a familiar, que compreende mais de 78% dos estabelecimentos rurais do estado, devem-se basear principalmente no tripé sanidade, reprodução e nutrição animal, além de incentivos fiscais e de fortalecimento da indústria láctea. O conhecimento da frequência das doenças dos rebanhos leiteiros, dos fatores que condicionam sua presença e possibilitam sua difusão são de fundamental importância no seu controle e/ou erradicação, garantindo, assim, a produção de alimentos seguros, saudáveis e nutritivos, em bases sustentáveis e competitivas. O presente trabalho apresenta a experiência da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Estado de Janeiro (PESAGRO-RIO) na certificação de propriedades livres de Brucelose e Tuberculose, pela implementação de ações de controle e erradicação dessas doenças, por meio do diagnóstico sorológico da Brucelose e pela detecção da Tuberculose em propriedades familiares. O projeto teve como resultado a certificação da primeira propriedade livre de Brucelose e Tuberculose do estado no município de Carmo e a elaboração de uma linha de produção de derivados lácteos com matéria-prima proveniente de propriedades certificadas. Os produtos foram identificados com o “Selo de Qualidade Sanitária”, como ferramenta de agregação de valor, tendo como resultado o aumento de renda dos produtores e a segurança alimentar dos consumidores.

Levantamento epidemiológico visando à comparação das prevalências de Brucelose bovina através de “Ring Test” no município de Carmo-RJ, após 9 anos de vacinação de bezerras de 3 a 8 meses de idade / Epidemiological survey to compare the prevalence of bovine Brucellosis through a Ring Test in the city of Carmo-RJ, after 9 years of vaccination of heifers from 3 to 8 months of age

A equipe técnica do Centro Estadual de Pesquisa em Sanidade Animal Geraldo Manhães Carneiro (CEPGM), da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (PESAGRO-RIO), realizou em 2009, levantamento epidemiológico para Brucelose através do teste de triagem Teste do Anel do Leite (TAL) no município de Carmo. Foram testados 30 tanques de expansão, entre eles, comunitários, da Cooperativa e Laticínio local e tanques individuais. Como resultado do teste realizado no CEPGM, observou-se a prevalência de 38% para Brucelose bovina no município, indicando expressiva necessidade de aplicação de medidas de profilaxia e controle. Assim, foi instituída vacinação gratuita no município, em março de 2009. Durante 9 anos e 6 meses ininterruptos, foram vacinadas 18.777 bezerras. Em agosto de 2018, um novo levantamento epidemiológico foi realizado, procurando atingir os mesmos pontos de coleta do levantamento de 2009. Foi observada a prevalência de 6,6% para Brucelose, representando a expressiva redução de 83% na prevalência da doença nos rebanhos do município em questão.

Risk factors for new bovine brucellosis infections in Colombian herds.

BACKGROUND: Bovine brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that causes substantial economic losses and has a strong impact on public health. The main objective of this paper is to determine the risk factors for new infections of Brucella abortus on Colombian cattle farms previously certified as being free of brucellosis. A case-control study was conducted by comparing 98 cases (farms certified as brucellosis-free for three or more years but became infected) with 93 controls (farms that remained brucellosis-free during at least the previous three years). The farms were matched by herd size and geographical location (municipality). Information was obtained via a questionnaire completed by veterinary officers through a personal interview with the herd owners. RESULTS: Two-thirds of the herds (67%) were dairy herds, 16% were beef herds, and 17% were dual-purpose (beef and milk) herds. After exploratory univariate analysis, all explanatory variables with a p-value of ≤0.20 were included in a logistic regression model using the forward stepwise method to select the model with the best goodness of fit. The significant risk factors were the replacement of animals from farms not certified as brucellosis-free compared to replacement from certified brucellosis-free farms (OR = 4.84, p-value < 0.001) and beef cattle farms compared to dairy cattle farms (OR = 3.61, p-value = 0.017). When herds with and without artificial insemination were compared, it was observed that farms that used natural breeding with bulls from non-certified herds had a higher risk than farms using artificial insemination (OR = 2.45, p-value = 0.037), but when the bulls came from brucellosis-free farms, farms with natural breeding were less affected (OR = 0.30, p-value = 0.004) than farms using artificial insemination, whether with frozen semen from certified brucellosis-free herds or fresh semen from uncontrolled herds. The latter is commonly sold to neighbouring farms. CONCLUSIONS: The government should make efforts to inform farmers about the risks involved in the introduction of semen and replacement heifers from farms that are not certified as brucellosis-free and to establish measures to control these practices.

Analysis of domestic animal movements in Colombia (2006-2014) and their possible influence on the bovine brucellosis spread.

Bovine brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that causes great economic losses. The disease is endemic in Colombia and animal movements from infected herds carry a risk of introduction to other herds. With the objective of analyzing the animal movements and determining their relationship with bovine brucellosis, we performed a descriptive analysis of the space-time movement of livestock in Colombia between 2006 and 2014. Multiple linear regression models (MLR) were employed to determine the relationship between brucellosis status and animal movements at the province level. The prevalence of bovine brucellosis in cattle was the dependent variable, and a total of 14 independent variables related to location, year, census, and animal movements were included. The prevalence of bovine brucellosis was significantly affected by the province (F = 3.42; P < 0.001), the year (F = 9.03; P < 0.001), and bovine (F = 5.45; P = 0.02) and equine movements (F = 3.8; P = 0.053). Fewer cattle and more horses entered provinces with high prevalence than those with low prevalence, indicating the possible relationship between the animal movements and the brucellosis infection in the country.

Brucellosis vaccines based on the open reading frames from genomic island 3 of Brucella abortus.

Brucella abortus is the etiological agent of brucellosis, a zoonotic disease affecting cattle and humans. This disease has been partially controlled in cattle by immunization with live attenuated B. abortus S19 and RB51 strains. However, use of these vaccine strains has been associated with safety issues in animals and humans. New vaccines have since emerged in the prevention of brucellosis, particularly DNA vaccines, which have shown effectiveness and a good safety profile. Their protection efficacy in mice is associated with the induction of Th1 type and cytotoxic T cell mediated immune response against structural antigens and virulence factors expressed during B. abortus infection. Some antigenic candidate for vaccine design against brucellosis (mainly DNA vaccines) have been obtained from genomic island 3 (GI-3) of B. abortus, which encodes several open reading frames (ORFs) involved in the intracellular survival and virulence of this pathogen. The immunogenicity and protection conferred by these DNA vaccines in a murine model is reviewed in this article, suggesting that some of them could be safe and effective vaccine candidates against to prevent B. abortus infection.

Brucelose bovina: aspectos gerais e contexto nos programas oficiais de controle

A brucelose é uma zoonose de distribuição mundial causada por bactérias do gênero Brucella. No Brasil, a brucelose bovina é enzoótica, e o seu controle/erradicação requer ações efetivas em todos os níveis do serviço público e ainda, engajamento da iniciativa privada. O Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação da Brucelose e Tuberculose Animal –PNCEBT, instituído pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento -MAPA, possui como estratégia de atuação a adoção de medidas compulsórias (vacinação de bezerras e controle de trânsito), complementada por medidas de adesão voluntária (certificação de propriedades em livres). O diagnóstico oficial utiliza as provas do Antígeno Acidificado Tamponado (AAT), 2-Mercaptoetanol (2-ME), Fixação de Complemento (FC) e Teste de Polarização Flourescente (FPA). O presente artigo objetivou abordar os principais aspectos da brucelose bovina, e ainda, o contexto da mesma quanto aos programas oficiais de controle.

Brucellosis is a zoonosis of worldwide distribution caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. In Brazil, bovine brucellosis is enzootic, and its control/erradication requires effective action at all levels of the public service, as well as private initiative engagement. The National Program for the Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Animal Tuberculosis (PNCEBT), instituted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA), has the adoption of compulsory measures (heifer vaccination and traffic control), complemented by measures of voluntary membership (certification of free properties). The official diagnosis uses the Acidified Buffered Antigen (AAT), 2-Mercaptoethanol (2-ME), Complement Fixation (FC) and Flourescent Polarization Test (FPA) tests. The present article aimed to address the main aspects of bovine brucellosis, as well as its context regarding official control programs.

Brucelose bovina: aspectos gerais e contexto nos programas oficiais de controle

A brucelose é uma zoonose de distribuição mundial causada por bactérias do gênero Brucella. No Brasil, a brucelose bovina é enzoótica, e o seu controle/erradicação requer ações efetivas em todos os níveis do serviço público e ainda, engajamento da iniciativa privada. O Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação da Brucelose e Tuberculose Animal –PNCEBT, instituído pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento -MAPA, possui como estratégia de atuação a adoção de medidas compulsórias (vacinação de bezerras e controle de trânsito), complementada por medidas de adesão voluntária (certificação de propriedades em livres). O diagnóstico oficial utiliza as provas do Antígeno Acidificado Tamponado (AAT), 2-Mercaptoetanol (2-ME), Fixação de Complemento (FC) e Teste de Polarização Flourescente (FPA). O presente artigo objetivou abordar os principais aspectos da brucelose bovina, e ainda, o contexto da mesma quanto aos programas oficiais de controle.(AU)

Brucellosis is a zoonosis of worldwide distribution caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. In Brazil, bovine brucellosis is enzootic, and its control/erradication requires effective action at all levels of the public service, as well as private initiative engagement. The National Program for the Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Animal Tuberculosis (PNCEBT), instituted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA), has the adoption of compulsory measures (heifer vaccination and traffic control), complemented by measures of voluntary membership (certification of free properties). The official diagnosis uses the Acidified Buffered Antigen (AAT), 2-Mercaptoethanol (2-ME), Complement Fixation (FC) and Flourescent Polarization Test (FPA) tests. The present article aimed to address the main aspects of bovine brucellosis, as well as its context regarding official control programs.(AU)

Evolution of bovine brucellosis in Colombia over a 7-year period (2006-2012).

Bovine brucellosis is endemic in Colombia, and is a mandatory notifiable disease, subjected to a control program based on four surveillance procedures: passive surveillance, test-and-remove, certification of disease-free farms, and animal movements. The objective of this study is to estimate the evolution of bovine brucellosis in Colombia over a 7-year period (2006-2012) using data from the official control program. A total of 58 epidemiologic variables were analyzed for each year at the department level. Univariate descriptive analysis and principal components analysis (PCA) were performed to ascertain the behavior of the variables. These programs covered 3% of the census in 2006, increasing to 15% in 2012. The percentage of positive farms averaged 22% in 2006 and 23% in 2012. The highest proportion of positive farms was in the Orinoquía region (24.6 to 49.6%); the lowest was in the Amazon region, (17.9 to 32.7%). The percentage of positive animals presented certain differences between years but without any clear trend (4.7% in 2006 and 4.6% in 2012), indicating that the brucellosis control program had a low impact in Colombia in these years. The results for each surveillance procedure were 6.8% for passive surveillance, 5.9% for test-and-remove, and 4.4% both in disease-free farms and in animal movement tests. The results obtained by PCA led to finding three different clusters: geographic areas with low bovine production and low bovine brucellosis surveillance, areas with medium bovine production and medium surveillance for bovine brucellosis, and areas with a predominant bovine production, applying sanitary measures to control bovine brucellosis.

Methodology for the assessment of brucellosis management practices and its vaccination campaign: example in two Argentine districts.

BACKGROUND: In Argentina, vaccination with Brucella abortus Strain 19 vaccine is mandatory. The objective of the study was to develop and test a method for evaluating, in an innovative way, some farmers' and veterinarians' management practices in relation to brucellosis and to assess the vaccination campaign and coverage. The work took place in Brandsen and Navarro districts. Four questionnaires were designed (for officials from Local Sanitary Entities, vaccinators, vet practitioners and farmers). Responses were coded as "ideal" (0) and "not ideal" (1). To assess the relative weight of each question ("item"), experts ranked the items according to their impact on management practices and vaccination. A weighted score was then calculated. A higher weighted score was assigned to the worse practices. Farmers obtaining a global weighted score above the third quartile were classified as "inappropriately managed farms", to be compared per type of production system and district. To assess the immunization coverage, female calves were sampled 30 to 50 days post vaccination; they were expected to react positively to serological diagnostic tests (DT+). RESULTS: There were significantly more inappropriately managed farms and higher global scores among beef farmers and in Brandsen. Eighty three percent (83%) of female calves were DT+, significantly under the ideal immunization coverage (95%). Only 48% of farms were considered well vaccinated. DT+ results were positively associated with the Brandsen district (OR = 25.94 [4.60-1146.21] and with the farms having more than 200 cow heads ((OR = 78.34 [4.09-1500.00]). On the contrary, DT+ were less associated with vaccinators being veterinary practitioners (OR = 0.07 [0.006-0.78]). Farmers are well advised by their veterinary practitioners but they should improve some management practices. CONCLUSIONS: The vaccination campaign is globally well implemented, but the immunization coverage and some vaccinators' practices should be improved. This study leads to a better understanding of the most common used management and control practices regarding brucellosis, which affect its epidemiology. Any vaccination campaign should be periodically assessed to highlight possible fails. The described methodology can be extrapolated to other countries and different contexts.

Safety of vaccination against brucellosis with the rough strain in pregnant cattle.

Brucellosis is an infectious and contagious disease that profoundly impacts public health. However, in many countries, disease prevention is restricted to the vaccination of calves, and there is no prophylactic strategy for pregnant heifers and cows. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of the rough strain vaccine against brucellosis in pregnant cattle. Crossbred cows (N = 96) at three gestational periods (early, mid, or late pregnancy) were randomly allocated into the vaccine treatment group or to the control group. We then compared the percentage of pregnancies reaching full term, live calves 60 days after delivery, and seropositive calves. There was no effect of vaccination in any of the gestational periods on the evaluation endpoints. In conclusion, vaccination against brucellosis with the rough strain is safe for pregnant cattle at all gestational periods.

Study of knowledge about bovine brucellosis among people involved in the cattle supply chain in the province of Manabí, Ecuador. / Estudio del nivel de conocimiento de la brucelosis bovina entre personas vinculadas a la cadena de producción bovina en la provincia de Manabí, Ecuador.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge about brucellosis among livestock farmers and their families, veterinary personnel, food processors and other people involved in the cattle supply chain in the province of Manabí. A voluntary, open-ended survey of participants was conducted in seven cantons in Manabí province selected at random: Bolívar, Chone, El Carmen, Jama, Junín, Sucre and Tosagua. Of the 500 people who responded to the survey, only 30% said they knew the disease. Greater knowledge about the disease was observed among people with a higher educational level, veterinarians, livestock farmers/traders and men. For all the aspects surveyed, only a small percentage of respondents (ranging from 0.6% to 30.2%) indicated that they had knowledge of that aspect of the disease. Only 29.8% of the respondents stated that they knew the clinical signs of the disease in cattle, which could jeopardise the brucellosis surveillance system. Only 7.6% of respondents knew the measures for reducing the risk of contracting brucellosis, leading to widespread high-risk practices when working with animals. The conclusion is that there is a low level of knowledge about the disease among people involved in the cattle supply chain in the province under study.

Une enquête transversale a été menée en vue de déterminer le niveau de connaissances sur la brucellose parmi les éleveurs et leurs familles, le personnel vétérinaire, les entreprises de transformation des aliments et d'autres personnels travaillant en lien avec la filière bovine dans la province de Manabí (Équateur). Les participants volontaires de sept cantons de la province choisis au hasard (Chone, El Carmen, Sucre, Jama, Bolívar, Tosagua et Junín), ont répondu à un questionnaire ouvert. Parmi les 500 personnes interrogées, 30 % seulement ont déclaré connaître la maladie. Le niveau de connaissance de la maladie était proportionnellement plus élevé chez les personnes possédant un bon niveau d'instruction, chez les vétérinaires et chez les éleveurs commerciaux, ainsi que chez les hommes. Le niveau de connaissance était bas pour l'ensemble des aspects étudiés, oscillant entre 0,6 et 30,2 % suivant les aspects. Seuls 29,8 % des participants ont déclaré connaître les signes cliniques de la maladie chez les bovins, ce qui compromet l'efficacité du système de surveillance de la brucellose. Au total, 7,6 % seulement des personnes interrogées connaissaient les mesures permettant de réduire les risques de contracter la brucellose, ce qui se traduit par une fréquence élevée de pratiques à haut risque dans le travail avec les animaux. L'étude conclut à un niveau faible de connaissance de la brucellose chez les personnels liées à la filière bovine dans la région étudiée.

Se realizó un estudio transversal con el objetivo de determinar el nivel de conocimiento de la brucelosis entre los ganaderos y sus familias, el personal veterinario, los procesadores de alimentos y demás personal vinculado a la cadena de producción bovina de la provincia de Manabí. Se realizó a los participantes una encuesta abierta de carácter voluntario en siete cantones de la provincia seleccionados al azar: Chone, El Carmen, Sucre, Jama, Bolívar, Tosagua y Junín. De los 500 encuestados, solo el 30% respondió que conocía la enfermedad. Se observó un mayor conocimiento de la misma en las personas de mayor nivel educacional, en los veterinarios y ganaderos que realizan actividades comerciales, así como entre los varones. Se halló un bajo nivel de conocimientos respecto a todos los aspectos encuestados, que osciló entre el 0,6 y el 30,2%. Solo el 29,8% de los participantes indicó que conocía los signos clínicos de la enfermedad en el ganado bovino, lo cual puede dar al traste con el sistema de vigilancia de la misma. Solo el 7,6% de los encuestados conocía las medidas para reducir el riesgo de contraer brucelosis, lo cual se manifiesta con la alta frecuencia de prácticas de alto riesgo en el trabajo con los animales. Se concluye que existe un bajo nivel de conocimiento de la enfermedad entre las personas vinculadas a la cadena de producción bovina en la provincia estudiada.

Large-scale study of herd-level risk factors for bovine brucellosis in Brazil.

Bovine brucellosis is an important zoonosis caused by Brucella abortus that negatively impacts livestock productivity. In 2001, Brazil launched a new national program aimed at eradicating animal brucellosis that included large-scale studies of the prevalence and risk factors to support strategic decision-making. These studies were implemented by the animal health authorities and were underpinned by the scientific coordination of the University of São Paulo and the University of Brasília. The state-level results were published and revealed important differences in herd prevalence among regions. The risk factors varied across states and did not clearly explain the observed spatial disease spread. This study used a consolidated herd-level database of 14 states and 17,100 herds, from the prevalence surveys' data, to gain insights into herd profiles and cattle production practices that might be associated with the risk of brucellosis. At the time of data collection, the study area comprised just over 56 million bovine females aged over 24 months and approximately 1.8 million herds. After an exploratory univariable analysis, all factors with p≤0.20 were included in a multiple logistic regression model, using the design-based method in order to take herd sampling weights into account. The number of females in the herd markedly increased the risk of infection; compared with smaller herds (less than 30 females), the odds ratio was 3.42 [CI 95% 2.98-3.91] for herds with 31 to 100 females, 5.68 [4.92-6.55] for herds with 101 to 400 females, and 13.14 [10.94-15.78] for herds with more than 400 females. The risk was higher for extensive cattle production farms (OR=1.23 [1.07-1.42]) and for farms that purchased replacement stock from cattle traders (OR=1.27 [1.08-1.47]) or directly from other farms (OR=1.19 [1.07-1.32]). The exclusive use of artificial insemination (OR=0.57 [0.4-0.81]) and regular veterinary support (OR=0.68 [0.6-0.77]) appeared to be protective factors. These findings are consistent with the regional prevalence trends observed in the study and provide key guidance for the planning of the national effort to control and eradicate brucellosis. High vaccination coverage of heifers is recommended, especially when targeted to areas where large-scale extensive cattle production predominates. The smaller, more intensive herds, are good candidates for disease accreditation schemes.