Situation of brucellosis in cattle farms in a pastoral region of algeria (djelfa) and its impact on public health: an example of detection of brucella organism in fermented raw cow milk « l’ben »

Brucellosis is an infectious disease that spreads to humans and causes major economic loss. In addition, it poses a public health problem in Algeria and in many countries. In order to assess the situation of this disease in the region of Djelfa (Algeria) and to estimate its risk on public health, a study was extended from 2010 to 2018. In addition, it is accompanied by bacteriological analyzes on samples of "L’ben" fermented milk taken from certain outlets in the same region to find out the importance of brucellosis, as an infectious disease, as well as the risks to the health of consumers . The results showed that out of a total of 287640 cattle, only 4.42% were screened with a reported prevalence of seropositive cattle of 2.51%. In addition, the prevalence of bovine brucellosis varied from year to year. It was low in 2010 with 07 reported cases (0.67%), while it was high in 2016 with 57 reported cases (4.18%). In addition, for human brucellosis, the prevalence varies between 4.3% in 2013 and 20.25% in 2018, with an average of 11.11%. In parallel, the results of laboratory analysis have shown that the average prevalence rate of brucella spp in fermented milk "L’ben" was 77.78% and that the highest rate was observed in Messaad (100%) and Hassi Bahbah (100%). While the lowest rate was reported in Dar Chioukh (33.33%). These results reflect the risk posed to cattle by brucellosis, especially on public health, and the risk posed by the consumption of brucellosis-contaminated L’ben. This necessitates the implementation of a disease control and awareness program in order to avoid various accidents and significant economic losses. In addition, the early diagnosis of the disease helps preserve the health of the consumer thereafter.