As brucellosis is clearly one of the more important zoonoses in many areas of the world, and control or eradication efforts are primarily focused on reducing human exposure, it should be obvious that close and continued collaboration between Health (medical) and Agriculture (veterinary) staff should occur at all administrative levels if the ultimate goals are to be achieved. Provided surveillance data on human brucellosis are reasonably accurate, i.e. unbiased and timely, it can be a sensitive indicator of the status of animal infection in the country or region. Human epidemics, whether food-borne or animal-contact related, may direct veterinary epidemiologist to foci of animal infections.
At the central level, it is assumed that both Health and Agriculture Departments will have a legal basis for the mandatory reporting of suspected or confirmed brucellosis cases to their respective Ministries or Departments. Many Health Departments employ veterinarians in various roles, but ideally a veterinary epidemiologist in the human diseases surveillance unit can play a key role in intersectoral collaboration. In some countries, there may also be a legal requirement for all veterinarians or veterinary laboratories to report Brucella-infected herds or flocks directly by telephone to the Health Department for further investigation. Some countries have also established either national Zoonoses Committees or specific Brucellosis Committees, with multi-departmental representation, including livestock producers and representatives of the medical and veterinary professions to ensure better communication of surveillance information. As problems develop, they are more likely to be resolved if all parties are actively involved and their suggestions taken into consideration. At the central level, need for better agricultural extension of public health education can also be addressed.
At intermediate levels (state, provincial or governate), similar communication between medical and veterinary authorities is very desirable. At this level, joint epidemiological investigations should be carried out, especially of suspected outbreaks and individual human cases to determine the route of transmission and animal sources of infection. Joint meetings of medical and veterinary associations are also a useful means of exchanging information on brucellosis, as well as on other zoonoses.
At the peripheral or local level, personal contacts between physicians and veterinarians working in both the public and private sectors should be are strongly promoted, to ensure that both are made aware of the situation in their areas to ensure efficient collaboration.
