Brucellosis Prevention and Control Activities in Afar and Somali Regions of Ethiopia

As part of a National Brucellosis surveillance program, funded by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in collaboration with the Federal Government of Ethiopia, Swiss TPH in partnership with the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) has conducted a large scale integrated animal-human sero-surveillance of Brucellosis in Afar and the Somali Region, among predominantly pastoral communities. The data obtained was then used to trial a small scale control strategy for Brucellosis tailored to the pastoral context. In addition, molecular epidemiological studies are currently undertaken to estimate the proportion of abortion in animals and pastoral women attributed to Brucellosis as well as identification of circulating Brucella strains in both animal and humans.  

The main objectives of this project were to:

• Map sero-prevalence of Brucellosis in humans and animals (Year 1)
• Assess the risk factors for disease transmission, the knowledge-attitude-practice of pastoralists towards zoonosis such as Brucellosis and Anthrax and describe the livestock-human-wildlife interface during pastoral migrations (year 1 and 2)
• Assess the economic and social feasibility of a segregation and elimination program to decrease the burden of Brucellosis among the community (year 3-5)
• Assess the circulating strains of Brucellosis in animal and humans among Afar communities
• Strengthen the collaboration between the animal health and public health sector in the region.

Methods/approaches      

• Sero-surveillance in all livestock species and their owners in 13 districts, including 650 households using Rose Bengal Tests and ELISA.
• Structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews to assess risk factors for disease transmission, KAP among pastoralists, KAP among medical personal and among National Park staff.
• Controlled livestock herd follow-up in a selected village over 3 years, with regular screening for Brucellosis and segregation/elimination of reactors. New arrivals and aborting animals were screened, quarantined and eliminated if positive.
• Molecular epidemiology of Brucellosis using PCR from samples (vaginal swabs, aborted material) collected from aborted animals and women who have miscarried.
• Economic analysis of a segregation and elimination control strategy

Expected outcomes

• Mapping of Brucellosis prevalence in animals and humans in Afar and Somali Region
• Defining risk factors for disease transmission in the pastoral context of Ethiopia as well as knowledge-attitude practice of pastoralists towards zoonosis in general and Brucellosis in particular
• Understanding the gaps and bottle necks for improved zoonotic diseases surveillance and control in Afar at the community level, and local authority level (public health bureau, livestock bureau and wildlife department)
• Advising the Government on the cost and fesibiity of a segregation/elimination as an viable alternative to animal vaccination.
• Isolation of Brucella strains (B.abortus versus B.melitensis) which will inform the Government on future vaccination strategies.

Target beneficiaries

• Pastoral communities of Afar and the Somali Region
• Local authorities: public health and animal health bureau at zonal and regional level
• National Parks
• Federal Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture

Contact