World Health Organization - Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean
WHO Country Office in Lebanon

WHO Collaborative Programme

Zoonotic Diseases

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Situation Analysis and Objective

Zoonotic diseases in Lebanon continue to be brucellosis, rabies and echinococcosis. Brucellosis remains the leading zoonotic disease and is of major concern in view of its impact on both public health and animal production development schemes. Around 300 cases are reported annually to the Ministry of Health, but in reality the number is higher as it is the case in neighboring countries. In October 1996, a WHO consultant visited Lebanon and a zoonoses study design/protocol for the control and surveillance of the major zoonoses based on sound assessment of the present status of the diseases was developed. In June 1999, a workshop on zoonosis was held to develop a comprehensive plan of action for the surveillance and control of zoonosis. Participants from ministries, Lebanese syndicates and orders and universities attended the workshop. 

In 2001, one case of suspected rabies was reported to the MOH, but could not be confirmed. Rabies cases suspected remain sporadic.
Other cases of zoonotic diseases (plague, KJD..) remain also rare. There is also the problem of hydatic cyst which is not reported.

Objectives:

To reduce mortality and morbidity due to zoonoses