Bovine Brucellosis: Serological Survey in Guto-Gida District, East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Brucellosis is an infectious bacterial zoonotic disease caused by member of genus Brucella. The disease affects both animals and human being resulting in a serious economic loss in animal production sector and deterioration of public health. This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of bovine brucellosis in Guto-Gida district in East Wollega zone from November 2010 to March 2011. A total of 406 blood samples were collected from cattle of above 6 months of age and sera were initially screened with Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and those samples found positive by RBPT were further tested by Complement Fixation Test (CFT) for confirmation. Out of 406 sera 12 (2.96%) were positive using RBPT and the overall seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis documented was 1.97% based on CFT result. The study showed no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in seroprevalence among the age groups and sexes considered. Although the seroprevalence in crossbred cattle (3.64%) was higher than local breed (1.71%), there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) between the breeds. To deal with diseases like brucellosis, the public in general and high risk groups in particular should be made aware of the zoonotic and economic importance of brucellosis through veterinary extension education.