Brucellosis: Why is it eradicated from domestic livestock in the United States but not in the Nile River Basin countries?

Abstract

Brucellosis is one of the most highly infectious zoonotic diseases worldwide and has substantial health and economic impact. Strenuous efforts are essential to combat and prevent this disease from the one-health perspective. Brucellosis is successfully eradicated from domestic animals in the United States, but control strategies continue to eradicate it from wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA). Brucellosis in the Nile River Basin countries (Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Tanzania) is highly prevalent and endemic. There are several factors behind the failure of eradication of Brucella in these countries. The lack of cooperation between policymakers, health officials, veterinary sectors, and farmers is the key reason that impedes the control and prevention strategies in brucellosis-endemic countries. This review will focus on the epidemiology, prevention, and control strategies of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis in the United States and the Nile Basin countries (Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Tanzania).