Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with a high prevalence in humans and farm animals in Turkey. However, data on the genetic diversity of Brucella spp. circulating in Turkey and parts of the Mediterranean region are limited. In the present study, the genetic diversity of 50 B. melitensis isolates from seven regions of Turkey was investigated using multi-locus variable number tandem repeats analysis (MLVA-16). The profiles were compared with 163 B. melitensis isolates recovered from the Mediterranean basin. B. melitensis strains from Turkey contain 46 different genotypes and consist of two main clusters. B. melitensis isolates from Turkey were closely related to isolates from Greece and some Portuguese strains. The same genotypes isolated from different sites show the spread between sites. Therefore, uncontrolled animal movements and the trade of imported animals can be important factors for the spread of brucellosis. The endemic occurrence of B. melitensis in the Mediterranean basin is a result of socio-historical links between Mediterranean countries. Turkish strains belong to the Eastern Mediterranean line. Eradicating brucellosis in countries of the Mediterranean basin with high prevalence is a demanding need to reduce trade barriers and, more importantly, prevent human suffering

A storm of abortions was reported in a Holstein dairy farm (150 heads) at Dakahlia governorate, Delta region, Egypt. The abortion rate was 25.9% among the pregnant cows between the 5th and 8th months of pregnancy. All animals inside the farm (n=150) have been sampled for a serological survey. Additionally, abomasal contents, retained placenta, and milk samples were sampled for bacteriological isolation and characterization of the causative pathogen of abortion. A total of 16.6 % of the aborted animals were seropositive with RBPT and BAPAT. Abortion materials and retained fetal membranes showed significant association with seropositivity. Moreover, B. abortus bv. 1 was bacteriologically isolated and then underwent confirmation by AMOS-PCR in samples of 20 animals. Increase awareness of occupational personnel on the farm, immediate slaughtering of the sero-positive animals, and vaccination of the sero-negative animals with B. abortus RB51 vaccine (2ml subcutaneous for each animal), are collectively recommended for a rapid control of brucellosis on the farm and for prevention of further abortions.

Background: Brucellosis is an ancient re-emerging bacterial zoonotic disease caused by species of the Brucella genus, affects a wide range of domesticated and adult wildlife, and plays a significant economic impact on the public health and the livestock sector. Improvement of knowledge, attitudes and practices among dairy farm workers could have a significant impact on reduction of zoonotic brucellosis in daily farming. Objectives: This study aimed at assessing workers‟ knowledge about brucellosis and practices relevant to its transmission on military dairy farms in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: From March to August 2020 a cross-sectional study was conducted among the dairy workers (n = 715) in eight military dairy farms from different regions in Bangladesh. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect information of participants‟ knowledge, awareness and practices on brucellosis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with knowledge, awareness and practices. Results: All participants were male and 33.4% of them were in the age group 25 to 34 years. Only 0.3% of the participants knew that brucellosis is a zoonosis and was familiar with its symptoms. Among them, 61% of the participants stated that fever is the most noticeable clinical sign of brucellosis. None of the workers and their families consumed raw milk and products there. While handling fetal membranes and dead fetuses 74.8% of the workers used hand gloves, 94% of participants washed hands after contact with animals and 95.5% also washed hands before and after milking. Dairy farm workers aged between 18 to 24 years and > 44 years were 9.9% (95% CI: 2.9; 33.6) and 5.8 times (95% CI: 1.6; 20.5) more likely to have adequate knowledge of brucellosis than 25 and 44 years old. The odds awareness were 1.8 times (95% CI: 1.1; 2.8) higher among dairy farm workers aged between 18 to 24 years than those aged between 25 to 34 years. Dairy farm workers aged between 18 to 24 years and > 44 years were 2.1 (95% CI: 1.3; 3.4) and 2.9 times (95% CI: 1.8; 4.9) more likely to perform appropriate practice than those aged between 25 to 34 years. In addition, animal attendant performed 8.9 times (95% CI: 2.2; 36.1) more appropriate practices than milkmen. Conclusions: The knowledge of the workers about brucellosis in these eight military dairy farms was considered moderate. Awareness programs are necessary to improve and foster preventive practices.