Untersuchungen zur Früherkennung und Überwachung der Schweinebrucellose (Brucella suis) in Freilandhaltungen in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

During June and September 2008 and in June 2009, brucellosis was proved in seven herds of five-ranged breeding pigs in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany. It was suspected that all herds were infected by brucella-infected wild boars via indirect vectors. To proof this assumption a state- wide monitoring program for brucellosis in wild boars was implemented in August 2008. 6108 blood samples and 855 testicular and epididymal samples were tested during an eight months time period. Epidemiological evaluation revealed that brucellosis in wild boar (Brucella suis, biotype 2) is wide-spread over Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. In this region, outdoor breeding pig husbandry seems to be connected with a higher risk for brucellosis spill over and subsequent outbreaks. Measures for early recognition and monitoring of brucellosis are discussed