Abstract:

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and surveillance results of human brucellosis in Anhui Province from 2015 to 2024 for reference for brucellosis control. Methods The information of brucellosis cases and public health emergencies in Anhui Province from 2015 to 2024 was collected through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and serological surveillance data of key populations of brucellosis were collected. The epidemiological characteristics and monitoring results were described and analyzed. Results A total of 2 335 cases of brucellosis were reported in Anhui Province from 2015 to 2024. The average annual reported incidence rate was 0.38 per 100 000 population, with the highest in 2024 (0.70 per 100 000). The disease predominantly occurred from March to August (accounting for 65.31%, 1 525/2 335). Geographically, the average annual reported incidence rates in northern, central and southern Anhui were 0.53, 0.50 and 0.07 per 100 000 population, respectively. The average annual reported incidence rate was higher in males (0.52 per 100 000) than in females (0.24 per 100 000). The highest reported incidence rate was observed in the 50-59 age group (0.85 per 100 000). By occupation distribution, farmers/livestock farmers constituted the majority, accounting for 71.95% (1 680/2 335) of cases. The primary animal in contact was sheep (87.31%, 1 624/1 860), and the main exposure routes were feeding/herding and slaughtering (84.57%, 1 573/1 860). From 2015 to 2024, a total of 28 public health emergencies of brucellosis were reported, involving 82 cases, and most of these incidents (22 in total) occurred among rural livestock farmers. From 2015 to 2024, a total of 6 374 key personnel engaged in breeding/grazing, slaughtering and other related activities were surveyed across four surveillance sites in Suzhou City, Huaibei City, Fuyang City and Bozhou City, with 167 positive cases. The results indicated that the positive rate was 2.62% on average, and varied among different surveillance sites (χ²=174.950, P<0.001). Conclusion In recent years, brucellosis incidence in Anhui Province has shown a significant increase, particularly among middle-aged and older farmers and herders. It is recommended to strengthen the inter-agency collaboration mechanism for brucellosis prevention and control, enhance the management and quarantine of cattle and sheep farming in rural areas, and implement comprehensive interventions targeting high-risk occupational groups to reduce their risks of infection.

Key words: Brucellosis, Zoonosis, Epidemiological characteristics, Monitoring