Cowpox is a zoonosis caused by viruses of the Orthopoxvirus genus, with increasing incidence in humans over recent years. Educational campaigns targeting rural populations, especially cattle farmers, are necessary to promote prevention and control measures. To describe intersectoral integration actions in addressing a human cowpox outbreak in the agreste region of Pernambuco in 2024. The study was conducted in the sanitary territory of the V Health Region of Pernambuco. Field research identified municipalities with suspected human cowpox cases. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to collect information on the number of affected people and animals, properties involved, municipalities, and symptom onset periods. Data were tabulated using descriptive statistical analysis. Partnerships were established with agencies in animal health, animal production, worker health, and rural associations to disseminate findings and promote integrated actions on prevention, diagnosis, and disease control. Fourteen laboratory-confirmed cowpox cases were identified in three municipalities in the region’s dairy basin. Two intersectoral actions were conducted in two municipalities, aiming to improve rural workers’ health conditions, strengthen cattle health, and enhance milk production quality. During these actions, 121 cattle farmers received guidance on hygienic milking practices, epidemiological and clinical aspects and diagnosis of cowpox in cattle and humans, and physical stretching exercises for cowboys before and after milking. The events also offered medical and nursing care, rapid testing, and vaccination record updates. Integrated action among different sectors proved to be an effective strategy in addressing human cowpox, contributing to outbreak containment and promoting improvements in rural workers’ quality of life, herd health, and the quality of agricultural products consumed by the population.
Serafim et al. (Sun,) studied this question.