Early history of bovine brucellosis eradication in Australia

The first Australian bovine brucellosis eradication campaign on a state-wide basis was initiated and established in Tasmania. The procedures involved in drawing up a suitable scheme together with a summary of the difficulties encountered in setting up and operating the scheme are described, leading to the successful eradication of brucellosis from Tasmania. Our observations that milk was not a major factor in the transmission of brucellosis infection from cattle to man are recorded. Recognition is accorded to veterinarians, some eminent in the profession, who, in the absence of Australian research into the disease, gave freely of their advice in helping to pioneer the eradication program. Within one year of commencing the scheme 4 herds had been accredited; by 3 years 85 herds had been accredited.