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30 Years of Brucellosis in the Republic of Macedonia: Experience with its Prevalence, Prevention and Control

30 Years of Brucellosis in the Republic of Macedonia: Experience with its Prevalence, Prevention and Control Aim. To present the epidemiological patterns of brucellosis and to analyse measures for prevention and control of brucellosis in the Republic of Macedonia from 1980 to 2009. Methods. Epidemiological reports and other documents available on brucellosis patients, as well as other official documents and reports from the veterinary health services, were analysed in relation to the measures and activities for the prevention and control of brucellosis in the Republic of Macedonia in the last 30 years. Results. During the period from 1980 to 2009, approximately 11,000 human patients were registered, with an annual average of morbidity of 20 per 100,000 inhabitants. The health service directed its preventive measures towards three target groups: the general population, farmers, and those engaged in relevant professions. After the brucellosis outbreak in the Bitola region in 1980, 11000 animals were killed within three years. Herd slaughtering was carried out in cases where more than 20% of the sheep were affected by the disease. Enormous damage was done and the number of infected people rapidly increased. Therefore, an interdepartmental commission was established in order to come up with a Brucellosis Eradication Programme. Unfortunately, the Programme was not implemented properly due to financial problems and several other reasons. Conclusion. After its outbreak in the Republic of Macedonia in 1980 brucellosis spread all over the country, becoming an endemic disease. The main reason for this fact should be traced to the failure to prepare an appropriate strategy and approach for the efficient prevention and control of brucellosis.