Brucella melitensis in Portugal: current situation report

The importance of the infection caused by Brucella melitensis in man and its coincidence in the ocurrence of the infection in sheep and goats. The epidemiology of this zoonosis in Portugal, with special incidence in people living in rural areas, mainly after consumption of untreated milk and milk products. Reference to infection also in veterinarians and assistant workers through contact with infected animals and their products. Persistence of brucellosis in sheep and goats - causes. The control programme on brucellosis in sheep and goats and laboratory support in the serological and bacteriological diagnosis. The importance of a Health Education Programme with public meetings supported by illustrated slides and films, with distribution of pamphlets and other illustrative material to warn people about the gravity of human and animal brucellosis, because only the joint effort of veterinarians, health authorities and the general public will enable the erradication of brucellosis in our Country