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Background
Brucellosis is a widespread zoonosis mainly transmitted from cattle, sheep, goats and camels through direct contact with blood, placenta, fetuses or uterine secretions, or through consumption of contaminated raw animal products (especially unpasteurized milk and soft cheese). Bovine brucellosis has been eradicated in Taiwan since 1989. And it has been surveillance on brucellosis in goats from 1986 and there are no positive cases until now. Brucellosis was belong to the fourth category of national infectious disease in Taiwan in 2012.

The most effective way to ward off infection brucellosis to avoid contact with pathogens. Cooperation with public health authorities to investigate human cases. Animal brucellosis, especially when caused by Brucella spp., can often be identified through investigations of cases in human.

Epidemiology
Bovine brucellosis has been eradicated in Taiwan since 1989. For the period 2001 to 2005, for identificating that the beef brucellosis had been defecated and was free in Taiwan, COA was proceeded by a continued serum examination among 1/30 of beef amount ¸400 canine blood samples from NTU quarantine station and suspected cases of human blood samples from CDC. Right now surveillance, monitoring, warning and research technology of imported Bovine brucellosis is important. 

Between 2014 and 2015, CDC taken in a risk analysis on national dataset and run to identify the risk factors or procedures, at the same time, we was reviewed by Laboratory Biorisk Management Standard (CWA15793). Set up amendment of quality processes and standard operating procedures into our existing SOP and research projects.  Professional training and tools will be held to prevent the occurrence of incidents. During 2011 - 2016, there are two imported case in Taiwan. One case has a clear contact history with animal’s tissue in china the other is legitimate expatriates.  There were no confirmed cases in 2017-2018.

Brucellosis Surveillance in Taiwan

1. Taiwan National Infectious Disease Statistics System-Brucellosis
2. Self-reporting through the toll-free 1922 hotline .

Prevention and Control

1. To prevent brucellosis avoid contact with pathogen.
2. Taiwan CDC implements awareness campaigns, brucellosis epidemic.
   • (1)Education to avoid consumption of unpasteurized milk and milk derivatives.
   • (2)Barrier precautions for professionals at risk (laboratory personnel, veterinarians, etc.).

 

FAQs

1. How are brucellosis transmitted?As brucellosis is a zoonotic disease, the ultimate sources of infection are infected animals.
   • The key species are the major food-producing animals: cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.  The possible means of acquisition ofbrucellosis include: infection from a contaminated environment, occupational exposure usually resulting from direct contact with infected animals, and foodborne transmission.
2. What can be done to reduce the risk of acquiring brucellosis?
   • (1)All dairy products should be prepared from heat-treated milk.
   • (2)Consumption of raw milk or products made from raw milk should be avoided.
   • (3)Meat should be adequately cooked.
   • (4)Special precautions should be taken by laboratory workers.
   • (5)Public health education should emphasize food hygiene and occupational hygiene.

More Information

1. WHO | Brucellosis in humans and animals
2. USA CDC | Brucellosis