Clinico-serological studies of Brucella infection of horses in Kano metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed at determining the clinico-serological status of brucellosis among horses in Kano, Kano State Nigeria. Four Local Government Areas (LGAs) were selected from Kano metropolis based on convenience and owner’s consent. A total of 328 horses, comprising ceremonial, polo and racing breeds, were used for the study. Clinical signs of brucellosis and vital parameters of the horses were documented. Blood samples were collected and the sera were subjected to modified Rose Bengal Plate Test (mRBPT) for detection of Brucella antibody. Positive samples were further screened using Serum Agglutination Test with EDTA (SAT-EDTA). The 2-Mercaptoethonol Test (2-MET) was used to determine the forms (acute or chronic) of Brucella infection. A total of 79 (24.09 %) horses had seropositivity for Brucella infection using mRBPT. The result was not statistically significant (P = 0.07). Of these 79 horses, 27 (34.18 %) were having mild infection while 12 (25.19%) others were severe. However, based on forms of brucellosis, it was inferred that out of the 39 horses that were positive for SAT-EDTA, 17 (43.59%) had acute form while 22 (56.41%) had chronic infection. From the study, it was evident that horses in Kano Metropolis had Brucella infection and this has far reaching public health implications. One of the limitations of this study was gaining free access to horse stables and insufficient funds. There is therefore, need to educate horse owners, grooms and the general public on the zoonotic implications of brucellosis. Regular surveillance should be conducted to establish the true prevalence of equine brucellosis in Nigeria.