Expert perspectives on brucellosis control: challenges, risk factors, and management strategies in Iranian livestock

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Published: Feb 12, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/jhvms.41780
Keywords:
Brucellosis livestock health expert opinion disease management vaccination strategies dairy farm risk factors
A Bahonar
Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
A Bahreinipour
Iranian Veterinary Organization, Tehran, Iran
Z Boluki
Knowledge Utilisation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
MH Fallah Mehrabadi
Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
K Mirzaie
Animal and Animal Products-borne Diseases Research Center, IVO, Tehran, Iran
M Dadar
Brucellosis Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute; Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
Abstract

Brucellosis, one of the most common zoonoses, affects the livestock sector and threatens human health. The WHO and WOAH have advised efforts to manage or eradicate brucellosis, although only a few developed countries have achieved this. In this study, a qualitative study employing a questionnaire tool under a snowball sampling technique at the national level helped to assess the expert viewpoints on animal brucellosis in Iran. This survey research was conducted from September 2022 to February 2023 by a questionnaire using the approach of expert opinion, which consisted of three main fields concerning the status and management of brucellosis in Iran, demographic data of experts, and risk factors connected with brucellosis on dairy farms. A total of 481 experts, primarily veterinarians, participated, and the response rate was 68%. An expert review of the questionnaire ensured validity, while reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The responses show essential insights into the management challenges of brucellosis control, such as improving vaccination strategies, testing new cattle for brucellosis, and educating farmers. Most experts supported regular vaccination, but farmer cooperation, insurance policies, and compensation for testing and culling were noted as concerns. Expert assessments of various risk factors highlighted the introduction of untested cows and poor farm hygiene as significant threats to brucellosis control in Iran. Therefore, it highlights the need for an effective strategy in brucellosis prevention, farmers' engagement, and systemic support because of the increasing incidence rate among veterinary professionals and farm workers.

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