Abstract:
Small ruminant brucellosis is a significant bacterial disease affecting both animals and
humans with substantial economic loss in countries like Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was
conducted from July 2022 to January 2023 to estimate the sero-prevalence, associated risk
factors, assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices of communities and economic impact
of small ruminant brucellosis in Burka Dhintu and Chiro districts. A total of 444 animals were
selected by stratified random sampling technique and screened for brucellosis using the
Modified Rose Bengal Plate Test and positive samples were further confirmed by indirect
enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay. Among the 444 animals, 9% and 6.5% tested positive
for MRBPT and i-ELISA respectively. Based on multivariable logistic regression analysis only
sex and age were identified as potential risk factors (P<0.05). Specifically, female animals
were 3.4 times as likely (AOR 3.4, 95% CI: 1.2-9.2) to be affected by brucellosis as that of
male animals and adult animals were 5.6 times more likely (AOR 5.6, 95% CI: 1.3-24.7) to
test positive for brucellosis than young animals. Only 17% of the respondents had a good
knowledge about brucellosis with 21% of them understanding its zoonotic implication and
20% of respondents had good attitude. Communities had poor practices (95%), such as
consuming raw milk and milk products (84%), contact with infected materials without
protective measures (74%) and improperly disposing of aborted fetuses and placentas by
throwing them for dogs (50%) or in open dumps (37%). The annual average economic losses
associated with small ruminant brucellosis were 282,540 ETB (5650.8 USD). The economic
loss was higher in Burka Dintu 150,820 ETB (3016.4 USD) compared to Chiro 131,720 ETB
(263.4 USD). The highest economic loss was attributed to mortality costs 229,700 ETB (4594
USD), whereas the least economic loss was due to treatment costs 20,240 ETB (404.8 USD).
Moderate sero-prevalence rate, combined with limited awareness and the practice of
consuming raw animal products as well as engaging in risky practices, pose a significant
threat to communities. Raising awareness of communities about the disease is essential to
prevent public health risks and limit the spread of brucellosis
