Neglected zoonotic bacteria causes and associated risk factors of cattle abortion in different agro-ecological zones of southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Three zoonotic bacteria, Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira spp, and Brucella spp, cause cattle abortion and significant losses in the livestock sector. However, these infections were neglected diseases in Ethiopia. Between October 2020 and October 2021, a cross-sectional study was carried out in southwest Ethiopia to determine the prevalence of abortion and identify the major zoonotic bacterial causes and risk factors that contribute to abortion. Using an indirect ELISA, antibodies to Brucella abortus, Leptospira Hardjo, and Coxiella burnetii were detected in serum samples taken from 461 cattle. Potential risk factors for cattle abortion were found using a multivariable random effect logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of cattle abortion was found to be 22.56 % (95 % CI: 18.74–26.38) in the study areas. Leptospira Hardjo (OR=1.8, 95% CI: 1.04–3.00), Coxiella burnetii (OR=2.7, 95 % CI: 1.26–5.62), and Brucella abortus (OR=9.8, 95 % CI: 1.27–17.15) were all associated with the occurrence of abortion in cattle, as were their co-infections (OR=8.1, 95 % CI: 1.28–39.33). Other risk factors for cattle abortion included breed (OR=16.7, 95 % CI: 2.20–26.77), herd size (OR=2.5, 95 % CI: 1.16–4.68), breeding method (OR=2.3, 95 % CI: 1.33–3.90), and contact with dogs (OR=2.2, 95 % CI: 1.34–3.53). According to the findings of this study, Brucella abortus, Coxiella burnetii, and Leptospira Hardjo are serious zoonoses that cause significant production loss in cattle due to abortion. To prevent transmission of these zoonotic diseases, it is crucial to implement effective control measures and increase public awareness. The causes of cattle abortion in the study areas should also be isolated and characterized.