[Short communication: investigation of Brucella in the fresh cheese samples sold at the bazaars of district in Sivas Center, Turkey].

Brucellosis is an important zoonosis throughout the world. Infection is transmitted by the consumption of non-boiled or non-pasteurized milk and milk products such as cheese, cream and butter. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Brucella spp. in the fresh cheese samples which were sold at bazaars of district in Sivas center during April, May and June of the years 2003 and 2004. In 3 (7.1%) of 42 cheese samples collected in 2003 and 4 (8.5%) of 47 samples collected in 2004, Brucella spp. were found to be positive. Consequently, since the fresh cheese samples are the most important routes of Brucella transmission, the risk for public health should be well considered.