National Symposium on Bovine Brucellosis Control Strategies held at UVAS

The University Diagnostic Laboratory and Institute of Microbiology of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore organized a National Symposium on the Bovine Brucellosis Control Strategies in collaboration with UM Enterprises. Bovine brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease caused by Brucella abortus in cows and buffalos. Moreover, it also affects other animals. Bovine Brucellosis symptoms mainly relate to reproduction in animals.

The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Younis. Director Institute of Microbiology Prof. Dr. Aftab Ahmed Anjum, Prof Masood Rabbani, Incharge University Diagnostic Lab Prof. Dr. Amir Ghafoor Bajwa, and Chief Organizer Symposium Prof. Dr. Irfan Ahmed, along with researchers, farmers, public health professionals, stakeholders, faculty members, and students, participated.

Explaining the aims and objectives of the symposium, Prof Dr. Irfan Ahmed said that the aim of organizing the National Symposium is to spread awareness among professionals and livestock farmers about the diagnosis of brucellosis disease and the procedures related to the treatment of affected animals.

Economic Impacts of Bovine Brucellosis

Addressing the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Younis said that Brucellosis is a deadly disease of the livestock sector that causes economic losses to farmers along with a decrease in milk and meat production. He urged the MPhil and PhD scholars to choose such topics for research that would address the issues facing the livestock and dairy sectors. He appreciated the efforts of the organizers in organizing a symposium on the topic of information.

Brucellosis causes severe economic losses in livestock. Infected animals often suffer from reproductive disorders, including abortion, stillbirths, and infertility. These complications directly reduce milk production. Moreover, chronic infections lead to poor growth rates and decreased meat quality. Overall this disease causes low profitability in livestock farming.

Special Study on Brucellosis 

Increased veterinary costs and abortions directly affect small-scale farmers. On the other hand, this disease has also importance concerning trade.

Bovine Brucellosis Symptoms 

• Abortions, particularly in late pregnancy stages.
• Retained placentas and weak calves.
• Decreased milk production.
• Joint swelling and lameness.

These Brucellosis symptoms overlap with other diseases, laboratory confirmation is necessary to differentiate and confirm brucellosis.

Diagnosis of Brucellosis in Pakistan

Accurate and early diagnosis is highly important for effective control of brucellosis. Lab-based testing is required for the diagnosis.

Prof Amir Ghafoor Bajwa said that the Diagnostic Lab of the Veterinary University is the first ISO 17025 accredited laboratory in Pakistan, which provides diagnostic services for diseases found in animals of livestock farmers along with monitoring emerging diseases.

Diagnosis of Brucellosis – Kit 

Bovine Brucellosis Control Strategies

An integrated approach is the best strategy to control brucellosis. Key strategies include:

• Vaccination:
  • Vaccination against brucellosis is the way to effective prevention
• Biosecurity Measures:
  • Isolate infected animals
  • Maintain hygiene during calving, milking, and farm operations.
  • Regularly disinfect sheds, equipment, and feeding areas.
• Farmer Training and Education:
  • Conduct workshops to raise awareness about the symptoms, prevention, and economic impact of brucellosis.
  • Provide practical guidance on implementing biosecurity measures.
• Surveillance and Reporting:
  • Establish a nationwide surveillance system for early detection and control of outbreaks.
  • Encourage farmers and veterinarians to report suspected cases without fear of financial losses.
• Government Infrastructure
  • Improve Diagnostic facilities
  • Strengthen disease reporting and surveillance system
  • Availability of Vaccine
  • Funds for culling of infected animal

Awarenss on Zoonotic Diseases 

Topics Covered in Symposium

In the symposium, experts discussed in detail the current situation of brucellosis disease in Pakistan, the impact of bovine brucellosis on milk and meat production and profits, diagnosis of bovine brucellosis, efforts against bovine brucellosis, treatment challenges, recent progress in prevention and various topics related to research. A panel discussion was also held between livestock farmers and experts during the one-day symposium.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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