Objective  To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Qiqihar of Heilongjiang province from 2004–2019, and provide scientific evidence for the development of brucellosis prevention and control strategy.

  Methods  The time, geographical and population distributions of laboratory confirmed brucellosis case were analyzed with descriptive epidemiological method.

  Results  A total of 25 999 laboratory-confirmed human brucellosis cases, without death, were reported online in Qiqihar from 2004 to 2019. The average annual incidence rate was 29.50/100 000, 11.17 times higher than national average (2.64/100 000) during the same period. The incidence of human brucellosis in Qiqihar was at a high level. There were two peaks in 2005 and 2012. The incidence increased significantly in 2019, with incidence rates of 23.56/100 000, the highest incidence was during March–July. The cases were aged from 9 months to 92 years. Most cases were middle-aged, men, farmers and herdsmen. The spread area of the disease was wide, the cases were reported in 94.60% of townships and 57.70% of all villages in 16 counties in 2012. In the non-occupational group, the proportions of the jobless or unemployed, students, workers, children outside child care settings were relatively high. The proportion of the jobless or employed was in increase.

  Conclusion  The incidence of brucellosis in Qiqihar was much higher than the national level, Animal husbandry departments should strengthen the prevention and control of brucellosis. To reduce the incidence of human brucellosis, the quarantine, immunization and culling of livestock should be further strengthened, and health education and promotion should be implemented.