In the latest notification from the Global Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), on 29 February 2024, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Health reported to WOAH that there was a serious outbreak of swine brucellosis in Austria. The outbreak was confirmed in Upper Austria on 28 February 2024, and the source of infection remains unknown or uncertain. A total of 630 pigs were suspected to be infected, 37 of whom were sick, and 37 pigs were killed and disposed of. Currently, the outbreak is still ongoing, and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Health will submit weekly follow-up reports.
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium brucella that can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with the blood, body fluids of infected animals, or contact with their contaminated environment. Pigs are one of the main reservoirs of Brucella, so this outbreak also poses a serious threat to human health. In outbreak areas, local residents need to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to reduce contact with infected animals.
In response to the outbreak, Austria** has taken a number of emergency measures. First, the infected farms have been quarantined and strict biosecurity measures have been put in place to prevent the outbreak from spreading further. Secondly, the relevant authorities have tested the animals around the infected farms and quarantined and ** the animals suspected of being infected. In addition, Austria** has strengthened the monitoring and inspection of pork products to ensure food safety.
The impact of brucellosis on human health cannot be ignored. Humans can become infected with brucellosis after contact with infected animals or after eating undercooked pork. Symptoms of the disease include prolonged fever, excessive sweating, joint pain, headache, etc., and in severe cases, it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, and serious neurological complications. Therefore, experts advise people to be hygienic when handling meat and make sure that the meat is fully cooked before consumption.
The swine brucellosis outbreak is yet another reminder of the close link between animal health and human health. In today's globalized world, animal diseases are spreading faster and wider. Therefore, countries** and international organizations need to further strengthen cooperation to jointly address the challenges posed by animal diseases. At the same time, members of the public should be vigilant in personal hygiene and food safety, and avoid contact with potentially infected animals or undercooked meat.
For the prevention and control of brucellosis, experts put forward the following recommendations:
1.Strengthen animal quarantine and surveillance: Countries should establish a sound animal quarantine and surveillance system to detect and isolate infected animals in a timely manner to prevent the spread of the epidemic.
2.Raising public awareness: Raising public awareness of brucellosis and prevention through public education, especially for those involved in farming, slaughtering and meat processing.
3.Strengthen international cooperation: Carry out brucellosis prevention and control work on a global scale, share epidemic information, exchange experience and technology in prevention and control, and jointly address the challenges posed by animal diseases.
4.Ensure food safety: Strictly implement food safety regulations, strengthen the supervision of meat production and circulation, and ensure the quality and safety of meat products.
Overall, the outbreak of swine brucellosis is yet another reminder of the close relationship between animal health and human health. Only by strengthening international cooperation, raising public awareness and adopting effective prevention and control measures can we effectively address the challenges posed by animal diseases and safeguard human health and global food security.