Epidemiology and diagnosis of brucellosis in Mongolian bactrian camels

Brucellosis is among the most important zoonoses globally, and particularly in Mongolia. Mainly Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis are transmitted to people from different livestock species and where they cause great economic losses. Camels are susceptible to both Brucella spp., but camel brucellosis has not received proper attention from researchers and authorities. We do not know if camels are primary hosts of Brucella spp. More information on the epidemiology of brucellosis in Mongolian Bactrian camels is needed given their growing economic and livelihood importance for herders and the renewed efforts to eliminate brucellosis from Mongolia through mass livestock vaccination that does not include camels. Despite decreasing camel populations, brucellosis cases in camels increased in the past two decades. Close monitoring of the situation in camels, and a better understanding of the epidemiology became central of assessing progress towards brucellosis elimination.