Abstract:
A cross-sectional study of brucellosis in small
ruminants was carried out from October 2008 to March
2009 in Jijiga District, Somali Regional State of Ethiopia.
Seven hundred thirty sera samples (421 of sheep and 309 of
goats) were randomly collected from purposively selected
villages of the study area. Structured questionnaire format
was developed, pre-tested and administered to assess the
perception of the community pertaining to brucellosis in
sheep and goats. Sera samples were screened by Rose
Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), and all samples tested positive
by the RBPT were subjected to Complement Fixation Test
(CFT) for confirmation. Of 12 serum samples that were
positive by RBPT, 11 were positive by CFT. Statistically
significant differences were not observed between the
species as well as the sex groups (P>0.05); however, the
variation between the age groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). Analysis of the questionnaire survey
suggests that improper handling of aborted materials,
consumption of raw milk, and lack of awareness about the
disease, among others, might greatly contribute to further
spread of brucellosis in their livestock and exposes the
community to a public health hazard. In general, the seroprevalence in the study area was not so high; nevertheless,
appropriate brucellosis control and prevention methods
should be implemented to circumvent future potential for
economic losses and the public health hazard of the disease
