SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF SMALL RUMINANT AND CATTLE BRUCELLOSIS IN JORDAN AND AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENT, DEMOGRAPHICAL FACTORS AND LIVESTOCK OWNERS' PRACTICES

摘要

Brucellosis remains endemic in many parts of the world including Jordan. In this study, the spatial pattern of ruminant brucellosis and the potential effect of ecological, geographical and demographical factors on the risk of ruminant brucellosis in Jordan using Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) was explored. Ruminant brucellosis is heterogeneously distributed in Jordan. Geographical patterns for cattle and small ruminants showed a higher risk of seropositive status in the northern part of Jordan, whichshould therefore be prioritised for disease control. The practices of livestock owners were stronger predictors of small ruminant flock seropositivity against Brucella spp. than environmental factors or livestock density.