Brucellosis prevention and control in Georgia
Brucellosis has been recognized by national authorities in Georgia as a serious health problem for livestock and the human population. The disease has both an economic and a food safety impact, putting at risk the economic development of the livestock sector. It was imperative that the Government establish a strategic plan for its effective eradication and control. The project strengthened institutional and technical capacity at the Ministry of Agriculture, developed a national brucellosis control strategy and provided training to 492 veterinarians.
What did the project do
The project helped to reduce the incidence of brucellosis in susceptible animal populations, leading to increased livestock productivity and sustainable livelihoods. A set of practical recommendations aimed at strengthening the performance of veterinary services was prepared and workshops were held for veterinary authorities, the Government, regional institutions and veterinary associations, and for private veterinarians and farmers, providing training in new approaches to the epidemiological surveillance, prevention and control of brucellosis, improving coordination between the National Food Agency (NFA) and veterinary practitioners, and raising awareness in terms of the prevention and control of the disease. The multi-year National Strategy and Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Brucellosis was written, translated into Georgian and approved by the Government, along with plans to eliminate or control the Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and the lumpy skin disease (LSD). It also provided training in brucellosis, PPR and LSD control and prevention to 492 veterinarians and to eight laboratory technicians.Impact
The project actively contributed to reducing the incidence of brucellosis by introducing such initiatives as marking infected animals and conducting a vaccination coverage survey to assess the effectiveness of the brucellosis vaccination campaign. The training provided to veterinarians in brucellosis, PPR and LSD control and prevention improved capacity to deliver animal health services and implement a brucellosis vaccination campaign.Activities
- Awareness-raising materials (posters and flyers) prepared, translated and distributed on brucellosis and LSD.
- National strategic plan for the control and eradication of brucellosis produced.
- Inception workshop held for over 30 participants from central and regional level.
- Brucellosis flyers and posters delivered to NFA.
- Training conducted in 16 districts, for NFA and private veterinarians.
- Animal markers designed, manufactured and delivered to NFA.
- Awareness-raising video on benefits of brucellosis vaccination and safety behaviour developed.
- PPR and LSD epidemiology workshops conducted for NFA personnel.
- PPR and LSD laboratory diagnostic training conducted;
- National strategic plans for control and eradication of PPR and LSD prepared.
- Three capacity development regional workshops held on brucellosis surveillance and vaccination of cattle and small ruminants.
Project symbol: UTF/GEO/006/GEO
Project title: Technical Support to the Brucellosis Prevention and Control Programme
Contact: FAO Office in Georgia / Andry Vasylovych Rozstalnyy (Lead Technical Officer)
Download PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/a-bt831e.pdf