Control and eradication program for bovine brucellosis in Iran: An epidemiological survey

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that is widely distributed throughout the developing countries. The status of bovine brucellosis combating program in Iran from beginning to now was reviewed. The information of 59 year combating against bovine brucellosis were obtained from Iran Veterinary Organization. Bovine brucellosis was first recognized in 1944 in Iran and is now endemic. In 1949, a bovine brucellosis combating program was setup which included vaccination of female calves with strain S19/RB51, infection diagnostic testing and slaughtering the infected cattle. Prevalence of brucellosis among industrial and semi-industrial dairy cattle calculated as 0.3%. Controlling and prevention of bovine brucellosis is far more complex than vaccination, testing and slaughtering the infected livestock. A financially well- supported control and eradication program and joint efforts between the farmers and governmental authorities are needed as a mean to prevent the spreading of disease. Without these, even a very good strategy will fail.