• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.51-62
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• 2005

Objectives: This study was conducted to understand the recognition on brucellosis in rural communities and to apply the results to counterplan for brucellosis control and prevention. Methods: The authors conducted a questionnaire survey from September 8 to 13, 2004 among the residents in 2 rural communities: 507 people at Gigye-myeon and 521 people at Buk-myeon. The authors developed a questionnaire which investigated age, gender, general recognition of brucellosis, status of cattle breeding, compensation for loss due to brucellosis and so on. Results: The study group contained 195 (19.0%) stock breeders (veterinarians and cattle merchants were included) and 833 (81.0%) non-stock breeders. For the question, 'Have you ever heard about brucellosis or do you know about brucellosis?', 283 respondents (27.5%) replied affirmatively. For the question, 'Do you know that pregnant women who suffer brucellosis may have a miscarriage?', 98 respondents (35.1%) replied affirmatively. For the question, 'Have your cattle ever aborted or calved a premature calf?', 28 respondents (14.9%) replied affirmatively. For the question, 'Have you ever handled an abortus or a premature calf with your bare hands?', 10 respondents (5.3%) replied affirmatively. For the question, 'Do you know that the government compensates for slaughter loss due to brucellosis?', 46 respondents (25.0%) replied affirmatively. Conclusions: Many people were ignorant about brucellosis. Therefore, their ignorance must be corrected by a publicity campaign. Some stock breeders handled the cattle abortus with their bare hand. Stock breeders must wear protective equipment during working. The authors expect that this study will assist in establishing both a safe cattle breeding environment and preventive strategies for diminishing the incidence of brucellosis.