Narrative overview of animal and human brucellosis in Morocco: intensification of livestock production as a driver for emergence?

Laura Prevost,Susan C. Welburn,Khaoula Ammary,Zaid Zouagui,Ward Bryssinckx,Hicham Ait Lbacha,Virginie Mick,Marie J. Ducrotoy,Abdelali Benkirane

doi:10.1186/s40249-015-0086-5

Abstract

Brucellosis is one of the most widespread zoonoses in the world caused by several species of the genus Brucella. The disease, eradicated in many developed countries, is a re-emerging neglected zoonosis endemic in several zones especially in the Mediterranean region, impacting on human health and livestock production. A One Health approach could address brucellosis control in Morocco but scarcity of reliable epidemiological data, as well as underreporting, hinders the implementation of sustainable control strategies. Surveillance and control policies implemented by the Moroccan government in domestic animals (cattle and small ruminants) in the last few decades are assessed for disease impact. This study considers the origins of animal brucellosis in Morocco and the potential for emergence of brucellosis during a shift from extensive to intensive livestock production.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40249-015-0086-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Highlights

Brucellosis is one of the most widespread zoonoses caused by several species of the genus Brucella [1,2,3]
This review examines the evolution of the epidemiological situation of brucellosis in domestic ruminants and humans in Morocco and describes surveillance, control and livestock policies implemented by the Moroccan government
The evidence reviewed in this paper shows the potential for emergence of brucellosis during a shift from extensive to intensive modes of livestock production and indicates the importance of sustainable control to prevent reemergence of disease

Summary

Introduction

Brucellosis is one of the most widespread zoonoses caused by several species of the genus Brucella [1,2,3]. This campaign was badly implemented and failed to reduce the herd seroprevalence in infected regions and to maintain brucellosis free areas This failure was due to a lack of enforcement of movement restrictions, low levels of S19 vaccination (0.4–8.5 % of the overall heifer population per year) and lack of funds to compensate farmers for culling seropositive animals. In Greece, there was an apparent decrease in small-ruminant abortions and human brucellosis incidence, the infection was still endemic and disease seroprevalence and incidence in animals and humans shot up to return very quickly to initial levels after vaccination was replaced with an uncoordinated test-and-slaughter policy [93].

Materials and methods

Findings

Conclusion