Bovine Brucellosis: Old and New Concepts with Pakistan Perspective
Muhammad Abubakar*,
Mehwish Mansoor and Muhammad Javed Arshed
National Veterinary Laboratory, Park Road,
Islamabad,
Pakistan
*Corresponding author: mabnvl@gmail.com
Abstract
Brucellosis is
considered to be one of the most widespread zoonoses in the world. According to OIE, it is the second most important
zoonotic disease in the world after rabies. The disease affects cattle, swine,
sheep and goats, camels and dogs. It may also infect other ruminants and marine
mammals. The disease is manifested by late term abortions, weak calves, still
births, infertility and characteristic lesions are primarily placentitis,
epididymitis and orchitis.The organism
is excreted in uterine discharges and milk. The disease is economically
important, is one of the most devastating transboundary animal diseases and also
a major trade barrier. Although not yet reported, some species of
Brucella (e.g., B. abortus) are
zoonotic and could be used as bioweapons. Brucellosis has a considerable impact
on animal and human health, as well as wide socio-economic impacts, especially
in countries in which rural income relies largely on livestock breeding and
dairy products. Considering the poor health infrastructure and manpower in rural
areas, the focus should be on preventive measures coupled with strengthening the
curative health care services for early diagnosis and treatment. The incidence
of brucellosis is increasing particularly in large dairy herds in
Pakistan. Several studies have been conducted
using sero-diagnostic techniques to determine the prevalence of brucellosis in
different provinces, districts and livestock farms in government and private
sector.