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Journal for Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnology and Biosafety

Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2025, Pages 10–15

ISSN 2411-3174 (print version) ISSN 2411-0388 (online version)

EPIZOOTOLOGICAL MONITORING OF SWINE BRUCELLOSIS IN UKRAINE: NATURAL RESERVOIRS, SPREAD RISKS, AND ADAPTATION OF EUROPEAN PREVENTION EXPERIENCE

Dehtiarov I. M. ¹, Biloivan O. V. ¹, Paliy A. P. ¹, Dehtiarov M. O. ²

¹ National Scientific Center ‘Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine’, Kharkiv, Ukraine, e-mail: biofarm.vet82@gmail.com

² State Biotechnological University, Kharkiv, Ukraine

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Citation for print version: Dehtiarov, I. M., Biloivan, O. V., Paliy, A. P. and Dehtiarov, M. O. (2025) ‘Epizootological monitoring of Swine brucellosis in Ukraine: Natural reservoirs, spread risks, and adaptation of European prevention experience’, Journal for Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnology and Biosafety, 11(1), pp. 10–15.

Download PDF (online version)

Citation for online version: Dehtiarov, I. M., Biloivan, O. V., Paliy, A. P. and Dehtiarov, M. O. (2025) ‘Epizootological monitoring of Swine brucellosis in Ukraine: Natural reservoirs, spread risks, and adaptation of European prevention experience’, Journal for Veterinary Medicine, Biotechnology and Biosafety, 11(1), pp. 10–15. DOI: 10.36016/JVMBBS-2025-11-1-2.

Summary. The article analyzes the epizootiological monitoring of swine brucellosis in Ukraine, focusing on the role of natural reservoirs of infection, such as wild boars and hares, in sustaining the epizootic process. The study presents data indicating that natural foci, particularly in southern regions, play a crucial role in the persistence and spread of brucellosis in certain areas. It highlights the involvement of wild boar and hare populations in maintaining the epizootic process among domestic pigs. Key information on the epizootiological monitoring of brucellosis is provided, highlighting its importance for farm and private livestock operations in Ukraine in recent years. Given the emergence of new international economic ties, including trade in livestock and animal relocation across borders, particular attention at the state level should be directed toward epizootiological surveillance. This is crucial for protecting farms and the livestock industry from the pathogen introduction through breeding animals and other genetic materials (sperm, embryos). Annual preventive serological screening of breeding livestock remains a fundamental component of epizootiological monitoring to ensure animal health regarding brucellosis. Alongside serological testing, clinical-epizootiological observations and assessments of potential pathways for animal and genetic material importation play a vital role. The study concludes that reducing the risk of introducing and potentially spreading the brucellosis pathogen among animals is primarily achievable through improved veterinary and sanitary control at customs and border checkpoints. The research identifies Brucella suis biovar 2 as the main infection reservoir in wildlife, causing miliary lesions, particularly in reproductive tissues, where abscess formation is frequently observed. The article also presents European strategies for planning and implementing preventive anti-epizootic measures against brucellosis and discusses their adaptation in Ukraine’s pig farming sector. The adaptation of European prevention strategies is proposed, which includes implementing comprehensive measures to eradicate and prevent the spread of infection. The conclusions emphasize the necessity of improving Ukraine’s national epizootiological monitoring system and standardizing diagnostic methods following international requirements

Keywords: biosecurity, transboundary risks, laboratory methods, epidemiological surveillance, pathogen properties and diagnostics, Brucella suis

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