A STUDY ON BOVINE AND HUMAN BRUCELLOSIS IN URBAN AREAS AND IN CATTLE BREEDING CENTERS, NORTH WESTERN AMHARA REGION, ETHIOPIA
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2008-06
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Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2007 to March 2008 in urban areas (Bahir Dar and Chagni towns) and in cattle breeding centers (Andassa Livestock Research Center and Metekel Cattle Breeding and Improvement Center) to determine the seroprevalence and to identify potential risk factors associated with bovine brucellosis, to find out its association with reproductive disorders and to assess the public health hazard. Sampling units were selected by one-stage cluster sampling method. Samples were tested serologically for brucellosis and questionnaire data was collected. In cattle breeding centers, all eligible cattle were sampled. Sera of 2,224 cattle from 183 herds were subjected to Rose Bengal Plate Test and those positives were further tested by Complement Fixation Test. An overall individual and herd level seroprevalences of 0.49% (11 of 2,224) and 4.9% (9 of 183), respectively were found. Statistically significant difference in seroprevalence was found between urban areas 1.1% (5 of 443) and cattle breeding centers 0.3% (6 of 1,781) (P< 0.05). The potential risk factors such as sex, age, breed, parity, herd size, pregnancy status and source of replacement stock were not significantly associated with brucellosis seroprevalence. Among the reproductive disorders, abortion was significantly associated with seroprevalence of brucellosis (P<0.05). Furthermore, management and husbandry risk factors were not significantly associated with brucellosis seropositivity. Out of 79 individuals tested for human brucellosis, 6.3% (5) were positive seroreactors. However, there were no statistical associations between brucellosis and potential risk factors (occupation, sex, age, consumption of raw milk and raw meat as well as contact with fetal membrane). In conclusion, the seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis in urban areas and in cattle breeding centers was very low. Thus, slaughter of positive reactors and enhancing the management and husbandry practices were recommended.
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Bovine brucellosis, Cattle breeding centers, Human brucellosis, Urban areas