Background

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease endemic in the Middle East and in Israel, with hundreds of cases each year, mostly in the Arab population.

Aim

To identify solutions for reducing the spread of brucellosis that are acceptable among the Arab community in Israel.

Methods

The study comprised two stages and involved farmers, non-industrial cheese-makers, and the general public recruited from towns previously exposed to brucellosis in the North (majority Arab non-Bedouin) and South (majority Bedouin population) of Israel. In the first qualitative stage, interviews and focus groups were conducted with 88 individuals, to collect suggested solutions for reducing the spread of brucellosis. Based on qualitative findings, a quantitative survey was conducted to assess the acceptability of proposed solutions.

Results

In the qualitative stage, diverse solutions were proposed regarding infrastructure, economic and regulatory issues as well as education. Six hundred and thirteen people rated the proposed interventions. Solutions rated highly were routine free veterinary visits (preferred solution for 27 % respondents), increasing control on illegal trade in animals from affected areas (18 %), the option to insure flocks, guaranteeing compensation after culling (18 %), support and guidance for small businesses which may facilitate adherence to regulations, lectures provided by the healthcare services or the Ministry of Health (24 %). Differences were found between communities in the north and south of Israel in the solutions suggested.

Conclusions

Several possible strategies were identified that could enhance reduced disease spread. A multifaceted approach is required, combining raising public awareness, better disease reporting in both animals and humans, improvements in infrastructure and better surveillance for livestock. Highlighting how different sectors contribute to the spread of the disease may raise awareness of the agricultural, technological and regulatory aspects and improve willingness to change.

中文翻译：

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通过咨询社区确定减少布鲁氏菌病传播的方法：混合方法研究

背景

布鲁氏菌病是中东和以色列的一种地方性人畜共患疾病，每年有数百例病例，主要发生在阿拉伯人口中。

目的

确定在以色列的阿拉伯社区中可以接受的减少布鲁氏菌病传播的解决方案。

方法

该研究包括两个阶段，涉及农民、非工业奶酪制造商，以及从以色列北部（主要是阿拉伯非贝都因人）和南部（主要是贝都因人人口）先前接触过布鲁氏菌病的城镇招募的公众。在第一个定性阶段，对 88 个人进行了访谈和焦点小组，以收集减少布鲁氏菌病传播的建议解决方案。根据定性结果，进行了定量调查以评估提议解决方案的可接受性。

结果

在定性阶段，针对基础设施、经济和监管问题以及教育提出了不同的解决方案。613 人对提议的干预措施进行了评价。评价较高的解决方案包括例行免费兽医访问（27% 受访者的首选解决方案）、加强对来自受影响地区的动物非法贸易的控制 (18%)、为羊群投保的选择、保证扑杀后赔偿 (18%)、支持和指导适用于可能有助于遵守法规、医疗保健服务或卫生部提供的讲座的小型企业 (24%)。在建议的解决方案中，发现了以色列北部和南部社区之间的差异。

结论

确定了几种可能的策略，可以减少疾病传播。需要采取多方面的方法，将提高公众意识、更好地报告动物和人类疾病、改善基础设施和更好地监测牲畜。强调不同部门如何助长疾病传播可能会提高对农业、技术和监管方面的认识，并提高改变的意愿。