Investigation of the incidence of brucellosis within the livestock population of Western Greece and assessment of their knowledge and attitudes regarding the prevention and eradication of the disease.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Brucellosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Brucella Melitensis. Brucellosis is the most common disease in our country, while it is also characterized as the most frequent disease recorded worldwide, counting over 500,000 cases annually. Brucellosis is a serious disease that, if humans do not apply the appropriate precautions, risks becoming seriously ill, both themselves and their animals and neighboring animals.

Aim: To investigate the frequency of the disease in at-risk populations, as well as their practices and attitudes towards its prevention. Structured questionnaires were distributed to farmers and slaughterhouse personnel in the regions of Western Greece, Epirus, and the Peloponnese for this purpose.

Material and Method: The research focused on the study of the attitudes of livestock breeders and slaughterhouse workers in Western Greece regarding the observance of personal and professional hygiene measures. The study population included 314 animal owners in Western Greece, whose occupations bring them into direct contact with animals and their products. Through questionnaires, the research investigated the knowledge of the participants about brucellosis, the frequency of contact with the disease, and the prevention measures followed.

Results: Of the participants, 9.9% had contracted brucellosis, with fever being the most common symptom, and in most cases, animal protection principles were observed (e.g., vaccinations). The higher the educational level of the participants, the better informed they were about brucellosis, and the lower the likelihood of contracting the disease. Additionally, the more participants processed milk, the lower the likelihood of contracting brucellosis. Adherence to hygiene measures was inversely related to the likelihood of disease, while incomplete use of protective equipment was also observed.

Conclusions: Adherence to measures outlined by the World Health Organization for disease prevention is deemed necessary, and planning and implementation of interventions may lead to better compliance and limitation of cases.

Keywords: Brucella, zoonosis, melioid fever, Brucellosis