Dr. Fufa AbunnaYohannes, H/Michael2018-11-292023-11-082018-11-292023-11-082017-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/14669MSc ThesisA cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out in Sodo Zuria and Humbo districts of Wolaita zone southern Ethiopia from November 2016 to April 2017 to determine the seroprevalence and potential risk factors for bovine brucellosis in cattle under extensive production systems. The study populations comprised both indigenous and cross breed cattle were kept with other species such as sheep and goats. Serum samples were collected from 462 extensively managed cattle at least one year of ageby using multistage sampling technique. All serum were screened for Brucella antibodies by the Rose Bengal Plate Test and reactor sera were further tested by the Complement Fixation Test. Moreover, information was gathered on individual animal and herd level risk factors using a structured questionnaire survey. The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was 1.3% (95% CI: 0.5-3) and 5.8% (95% CI:2-12) at both animal and herd level respectively. The results of univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that seropositivity to brucellosis was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in herd size > 10compared to those herd size <6. The result also indicated that there was a statistically significant increase in seroprevalence of brucellosis in cow with history of abortion and retained placenta. Nevertheless, in the multivariable logistic regression analysis, herd size (p = 0.02, OR=13.7, CI:1.4 -29.7)and abortion (p = 0.01, OR=9.8, CI:1.5 - 64.4) were statistically significant risk factors for individual animal seroprevalence. A total of 80 owners and/or attendants of cattle were interviewed parallel to blood sample collection, using structured questionnaire. Themajority of the respondents (90%) have lowawarenessregarding brucellosis and its risk foctors. Thus in the area people usually consume raw animal products, as result there is increased risk of acquiring infection.Although the overall prevalence of brucellosis was low, it could serve as source of infection to different herds as there is free movement of animals between herds.Therefore, control measures such as culling of aborted animal, proper disposal of aborted fetus, pasteurization or boiling of milk before consumption should be carried out to reduce risk of infection and transmission of the disease in livestock and human in the study area.Furtherbiochemical and molecular investigations of brucellosis need to be conducted to identify the specific species prevailing in the study area to promote effectivecontrol strategies.enBovine brucellosisRisk factorsSeroprevalenceThesis