Abstract:
Brucellosis is an important infectious disease responsible for reproductive losses in sexually
mature animals and zoonotic importance. A cross sectional study was conducted from November
2018 to November 2019 in Berbere districts with the Objective of Assessing the burden of
brucellosis in small ruminants, risk factors knowledge, attitude and practice of communityin
study area. A total of 470 sera from 80 flocks were collected (Goat, n=306 and sheep, n=164) by
Simple random methods. The sera were tested by using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and seropositive reactors confirmed by Complement Fixation Test (CFT) using serial interpretation. A
sample was considered to be positive when both tests results were positive and a herd was
considered positive when a single animal within the herd tested positive. Over all prevalence in
both species by CFT at individual animal level was 2.97% (2.43% and 3.26%) in goat and sheep
respectively. Herd-level prevalence was 17.5%. Individual animal level multivariable logistic
regression analysis revealed that herd size (OR=3.83, 95% CI: 1.287 - 11.40, P=0.016), age
(OR=8.374, 95% CI: 2.786 - 25.17, P=0.000), parity status (OR=8.499, 95% CI: 1.187 - 60.88,
P=0.033) and history of retained fetal membranes (OR=12.896, 95% CI: 2.575-64.585,
P=0.002) was significantly associated with Brucella infection in small ruminants. In herd level
multivariable logistic regression analysis herd size (OR: 11.018, 95%CI: 2.582 -47.023,
P=0.001), abortion (OR: 0.102 95%CI: .017 - 0.627, P=0. 014), and retention placenta (OR: 0.
127 95%CI: 0.021 - 0.759, P=0. 024) was also significantly associated Brucella seropositivity
(P<0.05). The results of questionnaire survey revealed that the majority of the community do not
have sufficient knowledge about brucellosis and they are in risk of acquiring the infection. Most
of respondent was consuming row milk, milk by products, handling of aborted fetus and other
aborted materials without protective clothes. In conclusion, the present serological test revealed
that brucellosis is prevalent among small ruminants in the study area. Therefore, further
extensive molecular studies of the isolates and appropriate controlling strategies are required to
reduce zoonosis and its economic impact in study area. Awareness creation for animal owner,
animal attendant and other stockholder about the disease through extension service on risk of
consuming of raw milk / milk by product, handling of aborted fetuses, placenta and also the
impact of improper disposing of those material
