Insights into the problem of B. Melitensis and rationalizing a vaccination programme in Israel.

AIM To present the problem of brucellosis caused by B. melitensis in Israel and to develop a rationalized control programme and eradication campaign in small ruminants. METHODS CFT, an OIE prescribed test and a confirmatory method, was used as a confirmatory test in support of legislation to compensate the farmers following a stamping-out policy. Positive reactors were cultured for Brucella spp. in order to establish epidemiological data. Vaccination using Rev. 1 Elberg vaccine strain, passage 101, 1970, has been implemented as an ocular method since November 1997. RESULTS Brucellosis due to B. abortus in cattle has been eradicated in Israel in beef cattle and in dairy cattle since 1984 and 1985, respectively. B. melitensis has emerged in small ruminants since 1970 and become endemic in the country. An eradication campaign has been carried out since 1993, as an interim programme between 1993 to 1995 and as a full programme up to 1997. The vaccination of pregnant animals has led to abortions and, as a result, this policy was abandoned. To date, only young replacement females are vaccinated. CONCLUSION Following a national eradication campaign the number of human cases declined significantly but ceasing the campaign has led to re-emergence of the disease. Cattle brucellosis due to B. melitensis has been successfully controlled with limited sporadic emerging events that have occurred since this campaign. A test and slaughter programme that is integrated with due vaccination of young replacement animals is proposed to facilitate control of the disease with the intention of achieving complete eradication.