As the joyous spirit of Eid al-Adha fills the air, the tradition of Qurban brings communities together in a spirit of generosity and compassion. But amidst the preparations, ensuring the health of sacrificial animals becomes a top priority. One critical concern during this period is brucellosis, a zoonotic bacterial disease that can infect various livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. 

This disease not only poses a threat to livestock health and productivity, but it can also transmit to humans through direct contact with infected animals or their unpasteurized products like milk and meat. This potential for human infection underscores the importance of implementing robust disease control measures, particularly during the increased animal movement and interactions associated with Qurban festivities.

Brucellosis in Indonesia

Brucellosis, caused by the Brucella bacteria, can lead to severe reproductive issues in livestock, including abortions and infertility. In Indonesia, the disease remains prevalent, partly due to limited awareness and inadequate preventive measures. 

In a recent interview, Bahtera’s veterinarian, Lida Rahmah, shared her observations on the current brucellosis situation in Indonesia. “The incidence of brucellosis in Indonesia remains quite high due to a lack of adequate information on effective prevention methods,” she noted. The primary challenge in controlling brucellosis, lies in “managing the movement of ruminant animals, which is still poorly monitored across various regions.” This highlights the need for stricter measures to control and prevent brucellosis transmission.

Preventive Measures

Vaccination is considered the primary preventive measure against brucellosis in livestock. However, vaccination alone cannot completely eradicate the disease. This is where disinfection steps in as a critical partner in breaking the transmission chain of brucellosis. 

Disinfection involves the meticulous cleaning and application of disinfectants to surfaces and environments contaminated with the Brucella bacteria. These disinfectants act like microscopic assassins, which effectively eliminate the bacteria and prevent its further spread. By combining a robust vaccination program with thorough disinfection practices, livestock farmers can significantly reduce the risk of brucellosis transmission within their herds and contribute to a healthier overall environment for both animals and humans.

Disinfectants for Brucellosis Control

Two effective disinfectants for brucellosis control are benzalkonium chloride (BKC) and glutaraldehyde. BKC is a type of quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) that disrupts the cell membranes of bacteria, causing them to die. Glutaraldehyde, on the other hand, is an aldehyde-based disinfectant that denatures proteins and nucleic acids in bacteria, rendering them inactive.

Additionally, to improve prevention and control, Lida as a veterinarian recommended that farmers should always be aware of this disease and actively participate in local prevention efforts. “This disease causes considerable losses, so it is crucial to implement stringent preventive measures,” she advised. Continuous education and proactive involvement from both farmers and policymakers are essential to effectively tackle brucellosis in Indonesia.

Nonetheless, veterinarian Lida expressed optimism about the future of brucellosis control in Indonesia, stating, “The outlook is quite positive now that there are frequent awareness campaigns about the ramifications farmers can face if they ignore this disease.”

In conclusion, Brucellosis poses a significant threat to livestock health and public health, especially during Qurban. Implementing effective preventive measures, including vaccination and proper disinfection practices, is crucial to control and eradicate the disease. By working together, veterinarians, livestock owners, and policymakers can safeguard animal and human health. Find your solutions with Bahtera today!