This course is designed to equip veterinarians and animal health professionals with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and tools needed to effectively prevent, control, and manage brucellosis in domestic ruminants, whilst strengthening veterinary services and contributing to public health protection. The course mainly focuses on the two most significant Brucella species from both a zoonotic and socioeconomic perspectives: Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis.
Study time
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15 hours.
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Duration
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Languages currently available
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English (Turkish, Russian and Kazakh are coming).
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Target audience
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The primary audience for the course is official and private veterinarians working in the diagnosis, surveillance, prevention and control of brucellosis in domestic ruminants. The course is also suitable for laboratory specialists, as well as for professionals of veterinary faculties and research institutes.
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Learning objectives
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- describe the key characteristics of Brucella species, host susceptibility, and the impact of brucellosis on animals and humans;
- explain the pathogenesis, clinical signs, and differential diagnosis of brucellosis in domestic ruminants;
- describe the epidemiology of brucellosis, including major risk factors and routes of transmission among animals and from animals to humans;
- explain how to safely collect, handle, and ship samples for the laboratory diagnosis of brucellosis;
- describe the main laboratory tests used for the direct and indirect diagnosis of brucellosis in cattle and small ruminants;
- explain the objectives and key features of brucellosis surveillance programmes under different epidemiological scenarios;
- describe essential farm‑level biosecurity measures to reduce the introduction and spread of brucellosis within and between premises;
- identify the main types of Brucella vaccines in cattle and small ruminants, including their advantages and limitations;
- explain control and eradication policies for brucellosis in domestic ruminants across different epidemiological contexts;
- describe how to investigate and respond to confirmed cases or outbreaks of brucellosis; and
- identify high‑risk practices along the food chain and the importance of One Health approach to brucellosis prevention and control.
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Course structure
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The course includes two live sessions with international experts in Brucellosis and One Health, eleven interactive modules, and group discussions in an online forum. A multiple-choice assessment must be successfully completed to obtain the course certificate.
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Topics covered
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- Introduction to brucellosis
- Pathogenesis, clinical signs, and differential diagnosis of brucellosis
- Epidemiology of brucellosis in domestic ruminants
- Sample collection, handling, and shipping
- Diagnostic tests for brucellosis
- Surveillance of brucellosis in domestic ruminants
- Farm-level biosecurity
- Brucellosis vaccines
- Policies to control and eradicate brucellosis in domestic ruminants
- Risk practices along the food chain and the importance of One Health
- Case-study: Outbreak investigations and management
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