SERO-PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF BRUCELLOSIS IN SMALL RUMINANTS SLAUGHTERED AT SELECTED ABATTOIRS IN EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Brucellosis is a global zoonotic disease and animal health problem in many parts of the world, particularly in places where livestock is a major source of food and income. Ethiopia is an endemic area for brucellosis. The present study was aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants and identify potential risk factors associated with its occurrence. A cross-sectional study design was undertaken in selected abattoirs of eastern Ethiopia from December 2018 to July 2019. Blood samples were collected froma total of 762 small ruminants 438 caprine and 324 ovine by systematic random sampling from three selected abattoirs namely Dire Dawa, Haramaya and Harar. Antibodies against brucellosis were measured in the serum samples using Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) and were further confirmed using Complement Fixation Test (CFT). The overall seroprevalence of small ruminant brucellosis was 3.28 with RBT and 1.44% using CFT. The species-level of prevalence of brucellosis was 1.6% and 1.2 % in caprine and ovine, respectively using CFT. Associated risk factor analysis was conducted using chi-square, fisher’s exact and binary logistic regression analysis. Among statistically analyzed variables in this study; seropositiviy of Brucella infection with species, sex, and location abattoirs were found statistically insignificant (P>0.05). The age and body condition of small ruminant were found to be the risk factors for the presence of the disease in the study area (P<0.05). This study demonstrated the presence of brucellosis in small ruminant slaughtered in selected abattoirs of eastern Ethiopia. Hence, controlling the risk factors, proper hygienic practices, and teamwork between veterinarian and health personnel should be improved to prevent distribution of the disease to the other area and safe guard the public health.