Using GIS in Explaining Spatial Distribution of Brucellosis in an Endemic District in Iran

To check the feasibility of using geographical information system (GIS) methods, we linked the brucellosis data of human and animals. In a village-based ecological study in Bardsir- a district in Kerman Province located nearly to the central part of Iran- data of human brucellosis, socio-economic level, and livestock characteristics (2001-4) were linked by using GIS methods. Annual incidence of human brucellosis was 141.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Most of the high risk villages were seen in the north and south of Bardsir (3.6% of villages). A positive association was observed between the frequency of brucellosis and density of cattle (OR=1.81, P= 0.007). In addition, the size of human population was an independent determinant factor (OR= 1.94, P< 0.001). No association was found between frequency of the disease and socio-economic indicators and also the density of sheep. Our study showed that we could generate informative risk maps of brucellosis using health and veterinary data which might improve the quality of control programme in Iran.