On this page
Ovine and caprine brucellosis
Ovine and caprine brucellosis refers to infections caused by Brucella melitensis and Brucella ovis (only in sheep) which are both official notifiable diseases. Belgium is officially free from B. melitensis since 1973 (Commission Decision 93/52/EEC). B. melitensis can easily be transmitted to humans. B. ovis has never been reported in Belgium.
Control measures in Belgium
Status maintenance
Serological samples are taken in sheep and goat herds to confirm the B. melitensis-free status. Random checks are carried out at the holding to confirm with at least 95 % reliability that less than 0,2 % of the herds are infected or that at least 5 % of the sheep and goats were tested over the last 6 months and have reacted negatively to one of the tests carried out in accordance with Annex C of the Council Directive of 28 January 1991 on animal health conditions governing intra-Community trade in ovine and caprine animals.
Brucella melitensis suspicion
Each abortion is analysed for B. melitensis. Samples from blood, foetus and afterbirth are taken for brucellosis analysis. Each year, approximately 200 and 75 analyses are performed respectively in sheep and goats.
Legislation
European legislation
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 91/68/EEC of 28 January 1991 on animal health conditions governing intra-Community trade in ovine and caprine animals.
Belgian legislation
Royal decree of 10 Augustus 2005 laying down the animal health rules for the importation and trade of sheep and goats