Seroprevalence of Coxiella Burnetti in Cattle and Its Risk Factors in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Coxiellosis (Q fever) is a zoonosis of public health significance. This study was aimed at determining the seroprevalence and the risk factors associated with Coxiella burnetti infection in cattle in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria. A total of 539 blood samples from 42 cattle farms in the four Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kaduna metropolis were tested using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), in addition to application of structured questionnaires on the farmers. The total prevalence rate and herd prevalence rates obtained were 78 (14.5%) and 24 (57.1%) respectively. The sex based prevalence rates showed no significant difference between females(14.5%) and males(14.1%). Age of cattle was not significantly associated with infection (OR= 1.13, 95% CI, 0.69-1.86). Prevalence was significantly higher in the local breed of cattle (17.1%) than cross breed (1.3%) (P<0.05). The questionnaire analysis showed prevalence rate was higher in herds with no ectoparasite control(100%) than in herds with ectoparasite control(56.1%).Cleaning and disinfection of equipment after use was found to have a significantly protective effect (OR= 0.15, 95% CI 0.03- 0.79). The high prevalence rate of coxiellosis is of public health concern as this is a probable indicator of its presence in humans. It is also of importance as the disease can cause great economic loss among livestock population. A control programme involving good hygienic practices and public health education is recommended.