After more than 30 years without any reported cases of rabies in terrestrial carnivores in mainland Spain, an imported case was detected in June 2013 in Toledo. Although the infected dog was moved across different locations and had contact with humans and dogs, the incident was controlled within a few days. An epidemiological investigation was performed and rabies-free status in terrestrial carnivores in mainland Spain was restored six months after the incident. Key to the successful management of this case were the previous vaccination of susceptible animals in the affected area before the case was detected, the collaboration of different authorities in decision making, and the application of control measures according to national and international regulations and to the One Health concept.

The epidemiological study suggested that the most probable cause of the outbreak was a sauce, handmade with garlic, milk, and oil and served with the potatoes.

We describe 3 outbreaks of brucellosis investigated by our Occupational Health Service in a 1-year period. Two of these outbreaks, with 2 cases each, occurred in 2 cheese factories and the third outbreak, also with 2 cases, occurred in a cattle laboratory belonging to the local government. In both cheese factories, numerous opportunities for the workers to become infected were found. The greatest risk was considered to be the area for unloading milk, while failure to use personal protection equipment by workers, deficiencies in the laboratories, and the lack of effective separation between areas were also potential risk factors. In the cattle laboratory, we found at least 13 major risk factors that could allow brucellosis transmission. In Spain, there is a substantial risk of Brucella infection in laboratories or dairy factories and current preventive measures are ineffective.

No abstract