Comparative Assessment of Brucella melitensis Surveillance in Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Author Information
Author(s): Hadorn Daniela C, Haracic Sabina Seric, Stärk Katharina DC
Primary Institution: Federal Veterinary Office, Switzerland
Hypothesis
How does passive surveillance for Brucella melitensis differ between disease-free and endemic situations?
Conclusion
The effectiveness of passive surveillance for Brucella melitensis is highly context-dependent, with higher sensitivity observed in Bosnia and Herzegovina compared to Switzerland.
Supporting Evidence
- The study found that disease awareness significantly influences the detection of Brucella melitensis.
- Passive surveillance was shown to be less effective in smaller flocks in Switzerland.
- Scenario tree modeling provided a structured analysis of passive surveillance activities.
Takeaway
This study looks at how well we can find a disease in animals based on how aware farmers are of it, showing that being alert helps catch more cases.
Methodology
The study used scenario tree modeling to evaluate and compare the sensitivity of abortion testing for Brucella melitensis in Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Potential Biases
Potential under-reporting due to low disease awareness in Switzerland compared to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Limitations
The study relies on hypothetical disease-free assumptions for Bosnia and Herzegovina despite the disease being endemic there.
Participant Demographics
Farmers and veterinarians in Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website