Melitococcosis in the republic of croatia.

BACKGROUND Melitococcosis is one of the most widespread zoonoses worldwide. In the period from 2009 to 2013, comprehensive melitococcosis testing was conducted in the Republic of Croatia. METHODS AND RESULTS During the testing, the Rose Bengal test was applied to 344019 blood samples of sheep and goats, and positive reactions were confirmed in 1143 (0.3%) of samples. The complement fixation test (confirmatory test) was conducted on 43428 samples, with positive reactions confirmed in 768 (1.8%) of samples. The organs and tissues of 336 sheep and goats were inspected bacteriologically, and Brucella sp. was isolated in 15 (4.5%) of samples. Positive serological and bacteriological reactions were confirmed in the Karlovac, Lika-Senj and Split-Dalmatia Counties. Bacteriological and molecular techniques (Bru-up/Bru-low and Bruce-Ladder) in isolates proved the presence of Brucella melitensis biovar 3. CONCLUSION On the basis of this study, it can be concluded that Croatia has a favourable situation concerning the infection of ruminants with B. melitensis, and that ongoing controls of the disease are necessary.