HOME CURRENT ISSUE TABLE OF CONTENTS ARCHIVE SEARCH SUBSCRIPTIONS JOBS FEEDBACK HELP		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Abernethy, D. A. Articles by McDowell, S. W. J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Abernethy, D. A. Articles by McDowell, S. W. J.

Epidemiology of bovine brucellosis in Northern Ireland between 1990 and 2000

¹ Veterinary Service, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3SB
² Clinical Sciences Division, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA
³ Veterinary Sciences Division, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Stoney Road, Belfast BT4 3SD

Between 1990 and 2000, 317 herds of cattle in Northern Ireland were identified as being seropositive to Brucella abortus, and 68 per cent of them were attributed to transmission from neighbouring herds or to local spread. Of particular significance were three primary outbreaks in 1997, which resulted in significant secondary and tertiary spread. Three spatial clusters were identified, corresponding to two of the primary outbreaks, and the herd density and within-herd spread were highest in the largest cluster. Abortions in an infected herd and the disease-risk status of the disclosure test were positively associated with an increased within-herd prevalence.