INVESTIGATION OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES NEEDS FOR THE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SHEEP AND GOAT BRUCELLOSIS PROGRAM IN GREECE

Abstract

The sheep and goats brucellosis program is one of the most important animal
health programs with significant animal health, public health, and international
trade consequences. Several factors are involved in the implementation of this
program, while its success depends on the availability of an effective, well-trained,
and fully engaged staff. Considering the poor results of sheep and goats brucellosis
program in Greece mainly related to the limited number of veterinarians working
in the regional veterinary services, the present study aims to approach the number
of the human resources and more precisely of veterinarians that are essential for
the effective and efficient brucellosis control strategy in Greece. Therefore, the data
derived by the performance of the program for the years 2012 to 2015 are analyzed.
Finally, economic and political circumstances – external factors that affect the
functionality of the program as well as all relevant bottlenecks are being discussed.
The findings of the present study indicate that approximately 485 veterinarians with
485 assistants working for the needs of the brucellosis program would significantly
assist on the complete implementation of the brucellosis control and eradication of
the disease in Greek sheep and goat holdings.