Brucellosis spreads to Bosnia's Canton 10, human cases confirmed

According to Federal Television (FTV), three human infections have been confirmed so far - two in the municipality of Drvar and one in Livno.

Brucellosis is a disease that has never been fully eradicated in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While recent outbreaks had largely been confined to livestock, this year's spread has also affected people.

Veterinary authorities say 72 animals have tested positive so far this year, including 32 cattle and 40 sheep. All infected animals have been culled in accordance with veterinary procedures.

"For comparison, during 2025 we had a much more favourable situation, with only seven infected animals," veterinarian Dubravka Pudja said.

The main outbreak hotspots are in Glamoc, Kupres, Drvar and Tomislavgrad. Officials say one of the main drivers of the outbreak is nomadic grazing, with herds moving across large areas and mixing with local livestock.

Dubravko Kovacevic, head of Canton 10's Inspectorate Administration, said the practice has declined in recent years but continues to pose a serious risk, particularly in the vast grazing areas of Glamoc and Kupres, where livestock from the Central Bosnia and Zenica-Doboj cantons, as well as Republika Srpska, are brought to pasture.

Authorities also warned that unregistered small-scale livestock owners are hampering efforts to contain the disease by failing to register animals or comply with mandatory animal health measures.

Veterinary officials stressed that the greatest risk to the public comes from consuming unpasteurised milk and dairy products made from raw milk, such as fresh cheese and kajmak purchased from unverified sources. They urged consumers to buy dairy products only from regulated producers and retailers.