Preventing Brucellosis in the Bedouin Society in Israel

Background: Brucellosis is endemic in the Bedouin population of southern Israel, where Poor hygiene and traditional practices including home dairy preparations, animal breeding methods contribute to disease spread. The raising of livestock has great importance in Bedouin culture. Commonly, herds of sheep, goats and camels are maintained in close proximity to living accommodations, resulting in a higher exposure to the disease. The Objectives of this study is to prevent Brucellosis in the Bedouin Society, by locating the source of infection and providing health education and promotion activates to families and Society. Methods: In Israel, Brucellosis is mandatorily notifiable since 1951. New cases are reported to the District Health Office (DHO) of the Ministry of Health and subsequently incidence rates or summarized. Epidemiological investigations that attempt to locate the source of infection preform control measures as a prevention program with health promotion and termination of infected herds if required with concurrent fair compensation of farmers. Results and Actions: The incidence of the disease is on the rise within this population. In 2003 the incidence was 18 per 100,000, yet in 2013 the incidence rate increased almost sevenfold. To control the problem, the Southern DHO established a prevention program. Veterinary services and Bedouin community leaders partnered with public health officials in order to improve herd’s vaccination rates, and to locate and eliminate infected stock. Despite these steps, the incidence continues to rise, reaching 154/100,000 in 2014. Conclusions: In order to eradicate brucellosis among the Negev Bedouins, health promotion steps are necessary, but not sufficient and a comprehensive Health Education intervention must be integrated as part of overall policy, including the proper examination of livestock, termination of infected herds, compensation of farmers and advanced culturally and socially sensitive media interventions.