Seroepidemiological Investigations of Camel Brucellosis and Community Perception in Selected Districts of Borana Zone, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia
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2021-06
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Abstract
Understanding the epidemiology and natural history of camel brucellosis is crucial for control. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two selected districts of Borana Pastoral setting, Southern Ethiopia from November 2020 to April 2021 to estimate sero-prevalence and assess associated risk factors of camel brucellosis. A total of 315 blood samples were collected from camels older than 6 months in Arero and Elwoye districts. The collected serum samples were screened using Rose Bengal plate test and positive samples were confirmed using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The association between potential risk factors and sero-prevalence was computed using multivariable logistic regression and chi-square tests. Out of the total of 315 serum samples screened by Rose Bengal plate test 29 (9.21 %; 95 % CI: 6.25 – 12.95) were positive for brucellosis, of which 9 (2.86 %; 95 % CI: 13.15 – 53.54) were confirmed to be positive using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The statistical analysis showed that female camels which had history of abortion were more likely to be seropsotive than those which did not have abortion history (χ2=5.51; p=0.014 and OR=6.2; 95 % CI=1.08 -35.86). Camels tested from large herd size were more at risk of acquiring brucellosis than those from small herd size (χ2=9.02; p=0.0027and OR=17.04; 95% CI=1.77-164.04). The prevalence was higher (3.17 %; 95 % CI: 0.87 – 7.93) in Elwoye district than in Arero (2.65 %; 95 % CI: 0.86 – 6.07) although the difference was not statistically significant. The results of questionnaires revealed that 33 (73.33 %) of the respondents knew the brucellosis. Most of the animal herders had greater knowledge about the brucellosis than other participants of the study, which was statistically significant (P<0.05). The major signs of brucellosis recognized by the pastoralists include: abortion, retain placenta and stillbirth with 100%, 81.82% and 66.67%, respectively. The majority of the pastoralists interviewed (27; 81.82 %) were not aware about brucellosis being transmitted from domestic animals to humans. Although the prevalence of brucellosis observed in this in camels is low, the lack of control and prevention programs could make it a public health threat for the pastoral community.
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Borana, Brucellosis, Came, Community Perception, Ethiopia, seroprevalence,