Serological Survey of Brucella Antibodies in Breeding Herds

Abstract

Brucellosis has continued to be a problem in Nigeria with little or no attention being paid towards its eradication. Sokoto state which is the study area for this work is second in terms of cattle population in Nigeria. Several studies on brucellosis in Nigeria are mainly in slaughter cattle and few farms. A serological survey was conducted in all the season to determine the prevalence of brucella antibodies in breeding herds Sokoto. Results: A total of 1547 serum samples and 99 milk samples from lactating cow collected from cattle in the selected herds over a period of one year. Only 305(19.5%) of the cattle were seropositive while 25(25.25%) of the milk samples were positive. Sex distribution of brucella infection in cattle indicates that 16.6% and 21.96% were recorded in males and females respectively. There was an association between brucella infection and sex of animals (χ2=8.80; P=0.009). In the age distribution, 34(11.11%) of 305 at age band of 0-12 months were positive while cattle in the age band > 24 months recorded the highest prevalence of 188(23.82%) of 789. there was a significant association between brucella infection and age (χ2=22.19; P< 0.0001). Sokoto gudali had the highest prevalence rate of 29.59% while Azuwarq and White Fulani recorded 13.23% and 6.45% respectively. There was an association between bruclla infection and breed (χ2=99.11; P< 0.0001). Conclusion: Detection of antibodies against brucella in the herds and detection of brucella in milk is of serious public health and economic importance. This study has shown that brucellosis is endemic in all parts of the state. The high prevalence recoded is a wake-up call to all stakeholders for a rapid response to arrest the spread to other animals within and neighboring states and neighboring countries.