Diagnostics and prevention of reindeer brucellosis in Yakutia

This article presents the results of long-term (1958–2026) epizootological monitoring of brucellosis in reindeer in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). It was established that the region has remained consistently unfavorable for this infection for over 60 years. The first routine diagnostic studies began in 1958 in six uluses, and by 1964, the disease was being recorded in all reindeer herding farms. The main factors maintaining the circulation of the pathogen were identified. The dynamics of the epizootic situation are shown. In 2009, 136,662 animals were tested (73 % coverage), and 547 infected animals (0,4 %) were identified. By 2010, the number of affected areas had decreased to 49. As of February 2026, there were 13 affected areas, 7 of which were for brucellosis in domestic reindeer. Infection rates vary by natural and climatic zone: 0,6—1,3 % in the tundra, 0,1—2,2 % in the mountain-taiga and forest-tundra, and no cases have been recorded in the taiga zone. An occupational risk of infection has been established. Among reindeer herders on some farms, seropositive individuals accounted for up to 4,8 %. Successful rehabilitation of affected areas in the Bulunsky, Tomponsky, and Olenyoksky uluses was achieved through a comprehensive approach, including the participation of local governments, farm managers, and reindeer herders. Despite the reduction in the number of affected areas, reindeer brucellosis in Yakutia remains an epizootic concern due to the presence of natural foci among wild reindeer, infrastructure limitations, and insufficient diagnostic testing. Achieving sustainable disease control requires further improvement of the system of measures, including modernization of corrals, optimization of drug delivery logistics, and scaling up of effective diagnostic procedures.

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