Prevalence of brucellosis and cystic echinococcosis on veterinarians in Bolu and region

Brucellosis and cystic echinococcosis are worldwide seen zoonotic diseases. Our country and its neighbors are endemic/hyperendemic regions in terms of these diseases. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the veterinarians working in Bolu and the region are in the risk group of these diseases by presenting the statistical situation in Bolu and the region. For this purpose, 72 veterinarians and 384 other volunteers (To represent Bolu and region) were tested with Brucella Coombs Gel Test for brucellosis and indirect hemagglutination test for cystic echinococcosis. While the prevalence of brucellosis in veterinarians was 9.72% (7/72), no seropositive cases of cystic echinococcosis was found; Besides theese the prevalence of brucellosis was 1.82% (7/384) and the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis was 0.52% (2/384) within other volunteers. As a result of this study, it was seen that veterinarians working in Bolu and region are in the risk group for brucellosis. According to statistically annalysis the prevalence of brucellosis and cystic echinococcosis was found higher than the country average. In our study; The ratio of brucellosis prevalence between veterinarians and other volunteers was statistically significant. The prevalence of brucellosis in other volunteers was found correlated to education level, settlement area and consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products. There was a statistically significant relationship between the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis and the consumption of vegetables without washing and drinking well water. In this study, it was concluded that brucellosis and cystic echinococcosis constitute an important public health problem in Bolu and region.