Impact of bovine brucellosis eradication programs in the Republic of Korea

Abstract

This study concerns a quantitative analysis of the bovine brucellosis eradication program in the Republic of Korea to provide insight into how to plan better future control strategies. In 2004, an active bovine brucellosis eradication program, based principally on intensive test-and-slaughter, was implemented in Korea. With more intensive testing on cattle, the reported incidence rate at herd level increased significantly, becoming 61 times higher in 2006 (225.1 per 10,000 farms) than in 2003 (3.7 per 10,000 farms). Since 2006, when the greatest numbers of infected farms and animals were detected, the incidence rate has been decreasing. All control measures applied in the brucellosis eradication program contributed significantly to the reduction in the incidence of brucellosis. The continuation of the current control strategies, combined with new, innovative measures, may facilitate the eradication of bovine brucellosis in Korea in the near future.