7 October 2025

2 minute read

By: Chris Wright

Asia

[Excerpt of a report by the World Organization for Animal Health: The State of the World’s Animal Health 2025¹]

Oman, located in the south-east of the Arabian Peninsula, has made significant strides in controlling brucellosis, a zoonotic disease that affects both livestock and humans. Recognizing the serious health and economic implications of the disease, Omani authorities have adopted a multifaceted approach that combines mass vaccination, epidemiological research and public-awareness campaigns to mitigate its impact.

A cornerstone of Oman’s brucellosis control strategy has been the vaccination of a large percentage of livestock in affected areas. In the Dhofar Governorate, which hosts the largest share of Oman’s livestock, since 2004, over 237,000 cattle and 180,000 sheep have been vaccinated. These efforts have significantly reduced the prevalence of the disease in the region, contributing to improved animal health and economic stability for livestock owners.

The vaccination program is executed by dedicated teams who work tirelessly in challenging terrains to ensure that as many animals as possible are immunized. To complement these efforts, the government established a diagnostic unit under the Veterinary Health Research Center to conduct epidemiological surveys and monitor the immune response of vaccinated animals. This unit plays a crucial role in tracking the disease, identifying risk areas, and providing data-driven insights to refine control measures.

Beyond Dhofar, isolated cases of brucellosis occasionally emerge in other regions of Oman. When this occurs, authorities swiftly collect samples, isolate infected animals and conduct thorough investigations to prevent further spread. If an animal tests positive for Brucella infection, livestock owners are strongly advised to cull the infected animal through slaughter, a practice that is widely accepted as an effective disease control measure. However, it is important to note that there is no mandatory law in Oman requiring the slaughter of infected animals, which sometimes presents a challenge in disease eradication efforts.

Human infection

Given that brucellosis can also infect humans, Oman’s Ministry of Health collaborates closely with Veterinary Authorities to address cases of human infection. One of the primary sources of human brucellosis is the consumption of raw, unpasteurized milk and dairy products. While cow’s milk in Dhofar is pasteurized, many Omanis continue to consume raw camel’s milk, which poses a significant health risk. Raising awareness about the dangers of consuming unpasteurized dairy is, therefore, a critical component of Oman’s brucellosis control program.

To reduce the risk of human infection, Oman has expanded its vaccination efforts to include not only cattle and sheep but also goats and camels. Vaccinating camels with the Brucella melitensis vaccine is expected to play a crucial role in reducing transmission rates and protecting public health. Oman’s battle against brucellosis is a testament to the effectiveness of a well-coordinated, multipronged approach. By combining widespread vaccination, rigorous disease surveillance, regional cooperation and public health initiatives, the country has made notable progress in controlling this zoonotic disease. While challenges remain, particularly in eradicating human infections linked to the consumption of raw milk, continued efforts and enhanced community engagement promise a future with significantly reduced brucellosis cases in Oman.

Reference

¹World Organization for Animal Health (2025). – The State of the World’s Animal Health 2025. Paris, 120pp. https://doi.org/10.20506/woah..... License: CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO.