Brucellosis in Northern Ireland. A serological survey

Abstract

SUMMARYA serological survey for brucella antibodies has been carried out in Northern Ireland in an attempt to assess the effects of the brucellosis eradication programme in cattle which has been in progress since 1959. One thousand eight hundred and ninety four sera from blood donors, from farmer's lung tests, and from various groups occupationally exposed to cattle were examined by the serum agglutination test, the anti-human globulin (A.H.G.) (Coombs) test and the complement-fixation test.The incidence of brucellosis in Northern Ireland is now less than it was 20 years ago, but is similar to that reported in a recent survey in England. It now appears that the principal method of transmission of brucellosis in the province is by occupational exposure rather than by drinking infected milk. Though it may be too early to make a serological assessment of the effects on human infections of brucellosis eradication in cattle, this survey provides a basis for future evaluation.We thank Prof. O. L. Wade, Prof. P. C. Elmes and Dr W. R. Kerr for their encouragement and helpful advice; the Medical Officers of Health in Antrim, Armagh, Down and Fermanagh, Londonderry, and Tyrone, and in Belfast and Londonderry County Borough for help in obtaining blood samples; Dr M. C. Huth of the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service, for sera; Dr D. W. R. Mackenzie and Miss H. E. Cairns for sera from the Mycology Diagnostic Laboratory; Dr J. H. Connolly for sera from the Virus Reference Laboratory, and for helpful advice; the farm workers and veterinary surgeons for volunteering blood samples; the technical staff of the Veterinary Research Laboratories for carrying out the tests.