Abstract :
A compulsory control program to control-eradicate Brucella infections was initiated 1985
in the Basque Country in Northern Spain. The program included both Brucella melitensis
infection (ovine/caprine brucellosis), which were later included in a national plan, and
Brucella ovis infection (ovine epididymitis), which was promoted by the local animal health
authorities. Prevalences of these infections in small ruminant farms at that time were 10%
and 60% of flocks, respectively. Since then, the flocks/herds have been tested annually and
animals found to be infected by means of the tests employed were slaughtered. At the same
time, a voluntary Small Ruminant Lentivirus infection control program also started in some
sheep flocks of the region. Currently, prevalences of brucellosis have dropped to 0% for B.
melitensis infection and <0.1% for B. ovis. This implies an overall rate reduction of 100% and
99.9%, respectively. The results for Small Ruminant Lentivirus infection have not been so
good and only three of the eight flocks into the scheme have reached eradication. Good
results have been obtained by local and national animal health authorities and farmers
during the past 25 years for brucelosis control. Use of simple serological testing and culling
has allowed reduction-eradication of the infection. Once advanced control is reached, an
economic balance will be necessary, in order to optimize best use of resources, including
allocating them to control other small ruminant problems
