Background: Melitococcosis is one of the most widespread zoonoses worldwide. In the period from 2009 to 2013, comprehensive melitococcosis testing was conducted in the Republic of Croatia.
Methods and results: During the testing, the Rose Bengal test was applied to 344019 blood samples of sheep and goats, and positive reactions were confirmed in 1143 (0.3%) of samples. The complement fixation test (confirmatory test) was conducted on 43428 samples, with positive reactions confirmed in 768 (1.8%) of samples. The organs and tissues of 336 sheep and goats were inspected bacteriologically, and Brucella sp. was isolated in 15 (4.5%) of samples. Positive serological and bacteriological reactions were confirmed in the Karlovac, Lika-Senj and Split-Dalmatia Counties. Bacteriological and molecular techniques (Bru-up/Bru-low and Bruce-Ladder) in isolates proved the presence of Brucella melitensis biovar 3.
Conclusion: On the basis of this study, it can be concluded that Croatia has a favourable situation concerning the infection of ruminants with B. melitensis, and that ongoing controls of the disease are necessary.