Surveillance of human brucellosis in Zhejiang province, 2005 - 2009

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Zhejiang and provide scientific evidence for the development of the preventive and control measures. Methods By using Rose Bengal plate agglutination test (RBPT) and standard tube agglutination test (SAT), serological detection was conducted in risk populations with occupational exposure to Brucella, including livestock traders, slaughters, raisers, milkmaids, veterinary and people engaged in livestock or sea products processing, in Zhejiang. Results From 2005 to 2009, 26 980 persons in 12 municipalities (prefecture) received the detection, 535 were serological positive (2.0%), of which 143 were diagnosed as brucellosis and 392 were bacteria carriers. The number of surveillance sites increased from 50 in 2005.to 59 in 2009. The detection rate of brucellosis cases in Shaoxing and the detection rate of carriers in Jinhua were highest, accounting for 41.3% (59/143) and 40.8% (160/392) of the totals respectively. The proportion of sub acute and chronic cases declined by years (2trend=10.04, P=0.002), but the proportion of the cases detected actively increased by years (2trend=3.93, P=0.048). Conclusion In recent years, new brucellosis epidemic area emerged in Zhejiang, resulting in the rapid increases of newly diagnosed cases and carriers. It is necessary to strengthen the quarantine and management in livestock trading, active surveillance in goat market and health education by close multi sectoral cooperation to prevent and control brucellosis in Zhejiang.