Status and strategies for control of brucellosis—A review

Abstract

Ever since the discovery of the causative agent more than a century back, brucellosis remains one of the most important and widespread zoonosis all over the world. Recently, it has been described as re-emerging zoonoses. The disease is endemic in many parts of the world including India in both animals and humans causing significant morbidity and economic losses. However, the exact epidemiology and distribution of the disease is unknown. Brucella melitensis is the most common cause of human infection. The recent isolation of distinct strains of Brucella from marine mammals as well as humans is an indicator of an ever expanding epidemiology of disease. Animal brucellosis is being controlled through vaccines and management. A safe and effective vaccine in humans is not yet available and prevention is dependent upon the control of disease in animal hosts. The status of brucellosis and strategies for its control, particularly in developing countries, is discussed.