SMALL RUMINANT BRUCELLOSIS: SERO-PREVALENCE, ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS, ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF COMMUNITIES AND ECONOMIC IMPACT IN BURKA DINTU AND CHIRO DISTRICTS OF WEST HARARGHE ZONE, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

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