Brucellosis In Small Ruminants Research Articles

Phylogenetic Analysis of Brucella melitensis Strains Isolated from Humans Using 16S rRNA Sequencing and Multiple Locus Variable Number of Tandem Repeats Analysis-16.

Background: Brucellosis is the most important public health problem worldwide, and the annual incidence of the disease in humans is 2.1 million. The Brucella genome is highly conserved, with over 90% similarity among species. The aim of this study was to perform species-level identification of Brucella spp. strains isolated from humans diagnosed with brucellosis and to further investigate the phylogenetic relationships using multiple locus variable number of tandem repeats analysis (MLVA)-16 and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. Materials and Methods: Brucella spp. was isolated from the blood cultures of 54 patients who tested positive for brucellosis through serological examinations. Real-time PCR was used to identify the isolates in species, and the genus level of Brucella was confirmed with 16S rRNA. All isolates were subjected to phylogenetic analysis using variable number of tandem repeat analysis with multiple loci. Results: Subsequent analysis via real-time PCR confirmed these isolates to be of the Brucella melitensis species. The 16S rRNA sequence analysis showed 100% homogeneity among the isolates. MLVA revealed the formation of five different genotypic groups. While two groups were formed based on the 16S rRNA sequence analysis, five groups were formed in the MLVA. Conclusions: The study concluded that 16S rRNA sequence analysis alone did not provide sufficient discrimination for phylogenetic analysis but served as a supportive method for identification. MLVA exhibited higher phylogenetic power. The widespread isolation of B. melitensis from human brucellosis cases highlights the importance of controlling brucellosis in small ruminants to prevent human infections.

Brucellosis in camel, small ruminants, and Somali pastoralists in Eastern Ethiopia: a One Health approach.

Brucellosis is a neglected bacterial zoonotic disease with economic and public health importance in pastoral communities of sub-Saharan Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to April 2022, to estimate the prevalence and identify the associated risk factors causing brucellosis in animals and associated with occupational diseases in humans from three selected districts of "the Somali Pastoral region," Eastern Ethiopia. In this study, 1,000 serum samples were screened for anti-Brucella spp. antibodies using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and further confirmed using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). A structured questionnaire was used to collect the biodata of tested animals and animal attendants to test the association between explanatory and outcome variables. The overall animal level prevalence was 5% (95% CI, 6.1-7.2.0) in small ruminants, 2.9% (95% CI, 1.5-4.9) in camels, and 2.0% (95% CI, 0.2-3.7) in occupationally linked humans. Herd size and herd history of retained fetal membranes were risk factors associated with Brucella spp. seropositivity in animals (p < 0.05). Disposing of retained fetal membranes was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with Brucella spp. seropositivity in humans. Evidence of brucellosis in various livestock species and associated seropositivity in humans indicates the need for a coordinated One Health approach, considering sociocultural dynamics of pastoral communities in controlling brucellosis to safe guard public health and increase livestock productivity.

Seroepidemiology and associated risk factors of brucellosis in small ruminants of district Khanewal, Pakistan.

Keeping in view the economic and veterinary public health importance of brucellosis, this research was conducted to determine its seroprevalence and associated risk determinants in small ruminants in district Khanewal, Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Two-stage cluster sampling technique was used for sampling, and the sample size was calculated using C-survey 2.0. Accordingly, sera samples (n = 392) were collected from small ruminants in the study area from October 2022 to July 2023. All the samples were tested for the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), followed by confirmation of all the samples using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (ID.vet®, France; sensitivity and specificity=100%, each). The seropositivity rate of brucellosis was 7.14% [n = 28/392; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.87%-10.12%] by RBPT, whereas the results of ELISA showed an overall seroprevalence rate of 7.40% (n = 29/392; 95% CI = 5.11%-10.37%) in the study population. Univariate analysis of risk factors revealed that abortion history (AH), retained fetal membranes (RFMs), repeat breeding, flock size (FS), educational status of farmers (ESFs), awareness about brucellosis (AB), and farm hygiene had a significant association with the seroprevalence of brucellosis (p < 0.05). The multivariate analysis using a binary logistic regression model revealed that variables including tehsil, FS, AH, RFM, ESF, AB, and farming system were significant factors (p < 0.05) associated with brucellosis in the target population. Brucellosis is prevalent in small ruminants in Khanewal, Pakistan. The disease burden can be reduced by improving the reproductive health of animals, farm hygiene, and farmers' awareness about the diseases. Further studies are needed on a larger scale to devise stringent disease control strategies to avoid losses associated with brucellosis at regional, national, and global levels.

Epidemiology of Brucellosis in Small Ruminants of Rural and Peri-Urban Areas of Multan, Pakistan.

Brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic disease of veterinary and public health importance with considerably higher prevalence in developing/underdeveloped countries. This study reports the prevalence and risk determinants of brucellosis in small ruminants of peri-urban and rural areas of district Multan, Southern Punjab, Pakistan. For this purpose, sera samples (n = 392) of small ruminants were collected and subjected to preliminary screening using commercially available RBPT reagents followed by serodetection of brucellosis using multispecies i-ELISA kit (ID.vet, France). All the ELISA positive samples were confirmed by PCR using genus-specific primers, and frequencies of Brucella species in positive samples were enumerated using species-specific primers. Results indicated seropositivity rates of 9.69, 9.95, and 10.20% in study population using RBPT reagents of IDEXX-USA, ID.Vet-France, and VRI-Pakistan, respectively, with a statistically nonsignificant difference (p > 0.05). Results of ELISA showed an overall seroprevalence rate of 7.14% in target population with a slightly higher rate in sheep (7.65%) as compared to goat (6.63%) population (p = 0.695; OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 0.53, 2.57). Results revealed that out of total positive samples, B. abortus was detected in 60.71% of seropositive samples and B. melitensis was detected in 14.28% of positive samples. It was revealed that risk factors including body condition scores, hygienic conditions of the housing facility, farming system, reproductive disorders, educational status of farmers, and awareness of farmers about brucellosis had significant association with brucellosis in small ruminants of study area (p < 0.05). Conversely, farm/herd size, locality, gender, age, weight, and parity showed a nonsignificant association (p > 0.05) with brucellosis. In conclusion, brucellosis is prevalent in small ruminants of Multan, Pakistan. It is recommended to devise and implement effective control strategies with a major focus on raising awareness about brucellosis in farmers for the containment of infection in the region.

Seroprevalence of small ruminant brucellosis in the state of Qatar

AbstractBackgroundBrucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases worldwide, with a significant economic and health burden. The disease is endemic in many regions around the world. Data regarding the disease in the Arabic Gulf region is scarce, and a limited number of studies have been conducted in Qatar. This study is the first to investigate the seroprevalence of small ruminant brucellosis in the state of Qatar.MethodsThe country was divided into three zones based on animal population (high, medium and low). A total of 494 blood samples from 57 small ruminant flocks were randomly collected from the three zones. Rose Bengal and competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were used to investigate the apparent and true seroprevalence at both the animal and flock levels. A regression model was used to investigate the potential risk factors, including geographic zone, sex and age.ResultsAt the animal level, the overall (sheep and goat) apparent and true seroprevalence were 9.6% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 7.3–12.5) and 8.4% (95% CI: 5.9–11.5), respectively. In sheep, the apparent seroprevalence was 16.7% (95% CI: 12.5–21.8), and the true seroprevalence was 16.1% (95% CI: 11.6–21.7), whereas in goats, the apparent seroprevalence was 2.4% (95% CI: 1.1–5.2), and the true seroprevalence was 0.7% (95% CI: −0.7 to 3.7). At the flock level, overall, apparent sheep and goat seroprevalence were 19.3% (95% CI: 11.1–31.3), 30.0% (95% CI: 16.1–49.8) and 7.4% (95% CI: 2.1–23.4) and true seroprevalence was 18.9% (95% CI: 10.1–31.9), 30.5% (95% CI: 16.1–49.8) and 6.1% (95% CI: 0.3–23.3) respectively. Univariable regression analysis revealed age as the only significant risk factor in the sampled population.ConclusionsBrucella appears to be endemic to small ruminants in Qatar. The findings of this study provide baseline data regarding small ruminant brucellosis in Qatar and will aid in plans to control and eradicate the disease.

Investigation of the Proportion of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis in Sheep and Goat Milk.

Despite the implementation of brucellosis eradication programs in Iran, this disease is still endemic and highly prevalent among ruminants in this country. The infection of small ruminants with Brucella abortus may play a significant role in the continuation of brucellosis among the herds of ruminants. This study investigated the proportion of B. abortus and Brucella melitensis in 150 samples of sheep and goat's raw milk which were obtained from Lorestan and Hamadan provinces in the western part of Iran using the PCR method. The results revealed that among the Brucella spp. positive samples, 26.5% and 73.4% of the samples were infected with B. abortus and B. melitensis, respectively. The incidence rates of B. abortus among the sheep and goats samples were 6.8% and 12.5%, respectively. There was a significant difference between goats and sheep regarding the proportion of B. abortus. Three samples (2%) (2 goats and one sheep) were simultaneously infected with both B. melitensis and B. abortus. This article renews our knowledge about the causative agent of brucellosis in small ruminants and shows that B. abortus has a relatively high prevalence among those animals in the western regions of Iran, and its role as one of the main factors of abortion among small ruminants should not be ignored. The information provided in the present study is important for the surveillance program, as eradication programs and strategies to prevent the spread of B. abortus among small ruminants that have not been vaccinated against this microorganism may be adapted accordingly.

Brucella melitensis Vaccines: A Systematic Review

Background: Brucella melitensis is recognized as one of the predominant zoonotic pathogens globally. Live-attenuated vaccine Rev 1 is currently the most effective vaccine for controlling B. melitensis in small ruminants. While Brucella inactivated, nanoparticle, and subunit vaccines are less effective and require multiple doses, live-attenuated vaccines are less expensive and more efficacious. Several drawbacks are associated with the administration of current attenuated B. melitensis vaccines, including interference with serological diagnostic tests, inducing abortion in pregnant animals, shedding in milk, and zoonotic infections in humans. In this systematic review, we summarize the current literature (1970–2022) on B. melitensis vaccines and review their advantages and disadvantages in order to support the rationale for a need for new or improved small ruminant brucellosis vaccines. Methods: A systematic search was carried out in Web of Science, CAB Abstracts, and PubMed. The original articles describing the B. melitensis vaccines were included. Review articles, articles not published in English, articles that did not offer full text, editorials, correspondences, case reports, case series, diagnostic tests, duplicate publications, and other Brucella vaccines (e.g., B. abortus and B. suis) were excluded. Results: Out of 3700 studies, we identified 18 articles that evaluated B. meltensis vaccines, including recombinant B. melitensis strains (16MΔhfq, 16MΔTcfSR, M5-90ΔmanB, LVM31, M5-90ΔvjbR, 16MΔmucR, ΔznuA, M5-90Δpgm, M5-90ΔwboA), live B. melitensis strain (Rev 1), nanoparticle vaccines (B. melitensis 16M, B. melitensis OMP 31, FliC protein—Mannosylated Chitosan Nanoparticles (FliC and FliC-MCN), B. melitensis and B. abortus combined, and B. melitensis 16M nanoparticles combined with oligopolysaccharide), subunit vaccines (outer membrane vesicles or outer membrane proteins), and a DNA vaccine based on B. melitensis outer membrane proteins (Omp25 and Omp31). The results from these studies revealed that these vaccines can induce humoral and cellular responses and reduce macrophage survival. However, most of these vaccines were evaluated only in murine models, which may not accurately reflect how they work in natural hosts. Conclusions: The high prevalence of B. melitensis in humans and animals remains an issue in many parts of the world. Human brucellosis can be prevented by controlling brucellosis in livestock using vaccination and test-and-removal strategies. Prospective vaccines have limitations, including interference with serodiagnostics after vaccination, virulence in humans and animals, the requirement of booster vaccinations, and insufficient efficacy in preventing infection or abortion. Moreover, most of these vaccines have been assessed in mice models, which have failed to predict immunogenicity or efficacy in natural hosts. Because of these limitations and the re-emergence of B. melitensis worldwide with a high incidence of human infection, our review suggests a need for additional research into the molecular pathology and immunological properties of B. melitensis infection and the identification of protective epitopes or genes that would allow for the development of improved vaccines for small ruminants.

Sero-Prevalence, Epidemiology, and Public Health Significance of Small Ruminant Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a widespread zoonosis mainly transmitted from cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and camels through direct contact with blood, placenta fetuses, or uterine secretion or through consumption of the contaminated raw animal product (especially unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses) in endemic areas. Therefore, the objective of this paper are to explain the Current Epidemiological Aspects of Brucellosis and the Importance of Small ruminant Brucellosis for Public Health and briefly illustrate the Economic Importance of Small ruminant Brucellosis. Sources of infection include aborted fetuses, fetal membranes, vaginal discharges and milk from infected sheep and goat. Brucellosis is caused by facultative, intracellular and Gram- negative bacteria called Brucella. Small ruminant brucellosis is caused by B. ovis (for sheep) and B. melitensis (mainly for goats), the latter one is the most virulent species of the Brucella genus. The disease in naturally infected sheep and goats is characterized by abortion in the last trimester of pregnancy, stillbirth and birth of weak offspring in females, and acute orchitis and epididymitis in males. Brucellosis occurs worldwide in domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, camels and pigs and creates a high economic problem for both the intensive and extensive livestock production system in the tropics and a threat to public health. Diagnostic tests fall into two categories: those that demonstrate the presence of the organisms and those that detect an immune response to its antigens. As a general rule, treatment of infected livestock is not attempted because of the high treatment failure rate, cost, and potential problems related to maintaining infected animals in the face of ongoing eradication programs. To control the disease in human, prevention of the disease in reservoir host is important, so test and slaughter followed by proper disposal of seropositive animals to decrease the incidence of infection and effective vaccination and hygienic practices would reduce the disease spreading in/from endemic regions and to lessen the economic and zoonotic effects of brucellosis, the government, public health officials, and veterinarians must collaborate.

Herd and animal level seroprevalence and associated risk factors of small ruminant brucellosis in the Korahey zone, Somali regional state, eastern Ethiopia.

Brucellosis is a zoonosis of major public health and economic importance that is endemic in livestock in Ethiopia with varying levels of seroprevalence. A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the individual and herd-level seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants in the Korahey zone of the Ethiopian Somali Region. A total of 324 sera from 63 herds of small ruminants were collected randomly using a multistage sampling technique and the sera were tested using the Rose Bengal Plate Test, and seropositive reactors were confirmed by the Complement Fixation Test. The seroprevalence of brucellosis at the herds and the individual level was 6.35% (95% CI: 0.0-13%) and 1.23% (95% CI: 0.0-2%), respectively; with 1.4% in goats and 0.9% in sheep. Moreover, predicted variables like age group, parity, history of abortion, fetal membranes, herd size, ownership of other livestock species, contact with wild animals in the past year, the introduction of new animals in the past year, and lending of breeding males in the past year were not significantly associated (p > 0.05) with Brucella seropositivity at individual and herd level seroprevalence during multivariable logistic regression analysis. Pastoral community awareness regarding the public health impact of brucellosis and the promotion of an intersectoral One Health approach for the effective control of brucellosis is recommended.

Epidemic and Epizootic Situation on Brucellosis in the Kyrgyz Republic

The aim of the study was to perform the epidemiological and epizootic analysis of the situation on brucellosis in the Kyrgyz Republic. Materials and methods. When assessing the incidence of brucellosis in the Kyrgyz Republic over the period between 1983 and 2021, official data of the Republican Center of Quarantine and Particularly Dangerous Infections, the Department of Disease Prevention and State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance of the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, the State Inspectorate for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Safety of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic were used. The obtained materials were processed applying Microsoft Excel 2010. Results and discussion. It is shown that the adverse situation on brucellosis among the population persists in the country: during the study period, the average incidence rate was 29.3 cases per 100 000 of the population. It is associated with constantly occurring epizootics among farm animals, especially small ruminants, which are the main source of human infection. A pronounced summer seasonality of brucellosis cases is noted, due to the participation of people in lambing and calving of animals. Since 2008, there has been a gradual decrease in the incidence of brucellosis among people, after the start of systematic mass vaccination against brucellosis in small ruminants. It is necessary to carry out the entire complex of anti-brucellosis measures and social mobilization of the population to stabilize the epidemic and epizootic situation in the country. The realization of the task will be facilitated by the development of the State Program to combat brucellosis for the interdepartmental integration of all efforts to prevent this dangerous infectious disease.

Analysis of Brucellosis Incidence and Molecular-Genetic Characteristics of Brucella Population in the Territory of the Russian Federation

An analysis of brucellosis incidence in Russia in 2013–2022 and the data on genetic diversity of Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus populations isolated in Russia in 1939–2022 are provided in the review. Over the past decade, the epidemiological situation in Russia has been characterized as unstable against the background of persistent unfavorable conditions for brucellosis in cattle and small ruminants. During the period of 2013–2022 (9 months), 4298 epizootic foci as regards brucellosis in cattle (89164 sick animals) and 371 as regards brucellosis in small ruminants (13569) were registered. The largest number of epizootic brucellosis foci was recorded in the North-Caucasian and Southern Federal Districts. In 2013–2022, on average, 327 cases of brucellosis among people were registered annually, the incidence rate per 100 000 of the population was 0.24. Up to 70–90 % of brucellosis cases were detected in the south of the European part of the country. A trend towards deterioration of the situation on brucellosis in Volga (Penza and Samara Regions) and Central (Smolensk, Voronezh and Tula Regions) Federal Districts is observed. There is a connection between the intensity of epidemic manifestations of brucellosis and the level of anthropurgic enzooty of territories. In 2022, 467 cases of brucellosis were reported (0.32 per 100 000 of the population), which is 42.8 % higher than annual average values over 10 years. In 2023, a measure of stability of incidence rates, by 20–25 % above average long-term values, is to be expected. Incidence of brucellosis in humans will be within the range of 380–410 cases (0.26–0.28 per 100 000 of the population). The results of genotyping of B. melitensis strains point to an increase in the proportion of isolates with an MLVA-profile characteristic of strains from enzootic as regards brucellosis countries of Middle East and North Africa over past 20–25 years, which can indicate importation (introduction) of the infection from these territories to Russia through small ruminants and/or biomaterial from them.

MONITORING OF THE EPIZOOTIC SITUATION ON ANIMAL BRUCELLOSIS IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

Brucellosis is a particularly dangerous zoonotic disease that is widespread in animals and humans. Despite the fact that more than 120 years have passed since the discovery of the pathogen and the disease has been well studied by domestic and foreign researchers, the problem of brucellosis remains relevant in many countries of the world. A number of economically developed countries have achieved some success in controlling bovine brucellosis caused by Brucella abortus. Results for control of brucellosis in small ruminants caused by Brucella melitensis are more modest. In some developing countries, the epizootic situation for bovine brucellosis is worsening. Brucellosis caused by B. melitensis is also a major public health problem. &#x0D; According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 500 000 cases of newly diagnosed brucellosis are reported each year in more than 170 countries, more than half of them in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. In brucellosis-prone regions, the actual incidence can be 10 to 25 times higher than officially reported. In brucellosis-endemic areas, where brucellosis is a deep-rooted problem, the infection has global, far-reaching negative consequences for the health and economy of states. The main objective of the studies was to monitor the epizootological situation of animal brucellosis in the Republic of Kazakhstan (RK).

Russian collection of Brucella abortus vaccine strains: annotation, implementation and genomic analysis.

Over the past 10 years, immunization of cattle in Russia has been performed using vaccines from Brucella abortus strains 82, 19 and 75/79. To prevent brucellosis in small ruminants, two vaccines have been used, from the Brucella melitensis strain REV-1 and the B. abortus strain 19; note that twice as many animals have been immunized with the former vaccine than with the latter vaccine. The disadvantage of using these preparations is the formation of prolonged post-vaccination seropositivity, which is especially pronounced in animals after immunization with vaccines from B. abortus strain 19 and B. melitensis strain REV-1. This study aims to perform the whole genome sequencing of Brucella vaccine strains from the Russian collection. A bioinformatics analysis of the genomic data proved that the vaccine strains 75/79AB, 82, R-1096, and the KV 17/100 belong to ST-2, 104 M to ST-1, KV 13/100 to ST-5. This analysis allowed us to characterize vaccine strains's phylogenetic relationships and to prove the close relation of vaccine strains 75/79AB, 82, R-1096. Also, we defined candidate mutations in genes pmm, wbdA, wbkA, wboA, and eryB, which could be responsible for the attenuated virulence of vaccine strains. The complete genomic sequences of B. abortus strains make further studies of bacterial pathogenicity determinants and virulence phenotype feasible, as well as their use in quality control of animal medicines.

The first report of Brucella melitensis biovar 2 strain isolated from cattle in Turkey

Bovine brucellosis is an infectious zoonotic disease of great impact on animal welfare and has significant economic implications on livestock farm worldwide. The disease is caused primarily by Brucella abortus (B. abortus), while B. melitensis is less common, and B. suis infection is rare. B. melitensis is the most common causative agent of brucellosis in small ruminants and humans. Although the main host of B. melitensis is considered to be small ruminants, this bacterium is also present in large ruminants. Despite brucellosis has been eradicated in many European countries, it is still endemic in Mediterranean countries and Turkey. The most prevalent Brucella species in the Mediterranean basin and Turkey is B. melitensis biovar (bv) 3. Previous studies have reported that B. melitensis bv2 is quite low in Turkey. This is the first study to isolate B. melitensis bv2 from cattle in Turkey. The strains were characterized using classical biotyping methods and then were molecularly confirmed. Multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA-16) typing of the strains revealed a novel genotype (1-5-3-13-3-2-3-2-4-41-8-5-4-3-3-7), which matches the Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) profiles in the database of ST8 (3-2-3-2-1-5-3-2-8). These results indicate that B. melitensis bv2 can easily infect cattle and this has to be considered in the epidemiology and control of bovine brucellosis. Circulating the highly pathogenic B. melitensis bv2 in cattle farms is of public health concern.

Sero-epidemiology of brucellosis in small ruminants on rangeland in northern Mexico

The seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in serum of goats and sheep reared on semi-arid pastoral systems of northeastern Mexico was assessed. Additionally, species, gender, and predominant breed were evaluated as risk factors for seropositivity to brucellosis. Data were from 375 flocks of goats or co-mingled goats and sheep. Serum samples from 11001 goats and 4741 sheep collected between 2016 and 2019 were analyzed with the brucellosis card test. The disease affected 12% of flocks. The overall prevalence of brucellosis seropositivity in goats and sheep were estimated at 2.1% (95% CI = 1.78-2.31) and 0.8% (95% CI = 0.58-1.10), respectively. Brucellosis seropositivity was two times more likely (p &lt; 0.01) in goats than sheep. The risk of seropositivity to brucellosis for goats and sheep was 2.3 and 3.2 times higher (p &lt; 0.01) in females than males. Toggenburg goats were more likely (p &lt; 0.01) to be seropositive to brucellosis than all other breeds of goats, whereas criollo sheep were more likely to be seropositive to brucellosis compared to hair sheep composite breeds. The current study revealed that, despite the absence of Brucella vaccination, brucellosis is not widely distributed in the study area. Also of all animals screened, seropositivity to Brucella infection was highest in Toggenburg when compared to other dairy and meat breeds; Criollo sheep also presented the highest seropositivity to brucellosis compared to hair sheep composite breeds. Finally, females compared to males had increased odds of testing positive for brucellosis.

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis reactor among goats and sheep on an agribusiness farm in a peri-urban of Bogor, Indonesia

Brucellosis in small ruminants is a challenge in agriculture, particularly livestock development. In Indonesia, the determinants of the epidemiology of the disease are not widely known or reported. This study aimed to investigate the brucellosis reactor in goats and sheep to provide evidence for controlling the disease. A total of 216 sera samples (102 sheep and 114 goats) from an agribusiness MTF farm in a peri-urban of Bogor were collected and analyzed with RBT and CFT. The results showed that the seroprevalence was high at 21.30% (95% CI; 15.8-26.8). Brucellosis seroprevalence did not differ significantly between goats and sheep with 22.81% and 19.61% respectively, testing positive for the disease. Brucellosis reactor seroprevalence was significantly higher in older animals (over 2 years) than in younger animals (0-2 years), at 30.38% (95% CI, 20.2-40.5) and 16.06% (95% CI, 9.9-22.2), respectively. Increasing age was significantly associated with seropositivity (OR=2.28). These findings indicate a high prevalence of brucellosis reactor among small ruminants in the peri-urban of Bogor, Indonesia, and require appropriate precautions. Given the high density of people in the study site, this could endanger public health and lead to significant production losses.

Seroprevalence and risk factor analysis of small ruminant brucellosis in the semi–arid region of India

Objective: To study the occurrence of brucellosis in small ruminants in a district of Southern India. Methods: A total of 425 serum samples (215 sheep and 210 goats) were collected from January to March 2022 using a multistage sampling method. The serum samples were subjected to three serological tests that were employed in this study, namely RBPT (Rose Bengal Plate Test), STAT (Standard Tube Agglutination Test), and I-ELISA. The risk factors were determined by collecting data through a questionnaire and establishing correlations between the responses and seropositivity within a specific flock. Result: Among the 425 samples collected, 91 samples (21.4%) were positive by RBPT, 124 samples (29.2%) by STAT and 156 samples (36.7%) by I-ELISA in sheep and goats. Sheep showed higher seropositivity in all three tests than goats. Analysis of multivariable logistic regression showed that age (&gt;3 vs.&lt;3 years; OR: 2.262, 95% CI: 1.414–3.618), abortion history (yes vs. no; OR: 1.837; 95% CI: 1.098–3.071), vaginal discharges (yes vs. no; OR: 2.334; 95% CI: 1.421–3.835), the migratory herd (yes vs. no; OR: 2.197; 95% CI: 1.369–3.527), and place of disposal of the foetus (yes vs. no; OR: 2.093; 95% CI: 1.320–3.318) were significant risk factors of brucellosis. Conclusions: Livestock owners and consumers of sheep and goats should be educated about brucellosis and prevention strategies to mitigate its uncontrolled spread and lower the potential threat of human brucellosis. Choosing the right rearing practices, enhancing husbandry procedures, changing farmer's perspectives on brucellosis, and inclusion of small ruminants in brucellosis control programs are all key management approaches that can aid in the prevention and control of Brucella infection in small ruminants.

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Brucellosis is endemic in Armenia. Test slaughtering is used to fight Brucellosis in large and small ruminants. Cross-contamination among the various types of animals with various types of causative agents may contribute to the permanent existence of the epizootic chain. A study is being conducted to determine whether brucellosis is present among stray dogs in Yerevan (Capital of RA). The Rose Bengal test (RBT), serum agglutination test (SAT), and indirect and competitive ELISA tests were performed on 384 blood samples from stray dogs in Yerevan. The competitive ELISA detects only specific antibodies against B. abortus, B. melitensis, and B. suis and differentiates the Brucella 19 strain. According to the diagnostic algorithm for final diagnosis, positive samples by RBT must be confirmed by two other tests. Out of 384 samples tested by RBT, 17 (4.4 %) were positive. Out of 384 samples, 11 (2.9 %) were positive by SAT, 9 samples (2.3 %) tested positive by indirect ELISA, and 16 samples (4.2 %) tested positive by competitive ELISA. We have shown the presence of Brucella spp. among stray dogs in Yerevan. It is necessary to implement additional studies among dog (particularly shepherd dogs) populations in marzes with a higher prevalence of Brucellosis. These additional results will provide an opportunity to evaluate the role of dogs in ensuring a stable epizootic chain of Brucellosis among agricultural animals. They will contribute to a strategy design for preventing the spread of disease.

Serum PCR Diagnosis of Brucella melitensis Infection in Rev. 1 Vaccinated Sheep

Serological diagnosis provides a robust and effective approach to monitoring and controlling small ruminant brucellosis. Brucella melitensis Rev. 1 is a live vaccine strain used in prophylactic vaccination against small ruminant brucellosis. Because the vaccine strain shares identical serological antigens with the corresponding field strains, differentiating infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA) serological responses hamper surveillance campaigns and interventions that involve vaccination. We have developed a serum PCR-based approach in which we amplify and sequence Brucella omp2a as a DIVA solution and tRNA (uracil-5-)-methyltransferase as a species marker in the serum samples to determine the etiological agent involved in brucellosis field cases. Using this method, we identified the involvement of both the Rev. 1 vaccine strain and a field strain in an outbreak of brucellosis in a flock. This method represents a novel approach in studying the etiology of brucellosis using serum samples as a source of the pathogen’s DNA.

Study on small ruminant brucellosis and owners awareness in two selected districts of southern region, Ethiopia.

Brucellosis is one of the infectious diseases that has the greatest impact on the productivity of sheep and goats. A cross-sectional study followed by a simple random sampling technique was used to investigate the seroprevalence of brucellosis (Rose Bengal plate test; RBPT and complement fixation test; CFT) in small ruminants and its related risk variables from November 2019 to June 2020 in Kolme and Abala Abaya districts. A questionnaire was also given to owners to assess their existing knowledge of the disease. Using the RBPT and CFT, 28 (4.1%) and 23 (3.33%) of the 690 animals were found to be seropositive for brucellosis, respectively. In this study, the seroprevalence of brucellosis detected in the Kolme district (5.3%) was greater when compared to Abala Abaya (1.0%). The odds of Brucella infection were greater for goats (odds ratio [OR] 6.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 16 0.8-44.9) than for sheep. The odds of adult animals (OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.03-0.07) being positive for brucellosis was higher than young animals. A statistically significant difference in the seropositivity of brucellosis was detected in univariate logistic regression among districts, different age groups, herd size, parity number, and reproductive health problems except for species and sex, but in multivariate logistic regression, only reproductive health problems were revealed a statistically significant difference. Out of 138 families, 100% of respondents were unaware of brucellosis, 94.5% drink raw milk, and 74% handle animals with retained fetal membranes with their bare hands. This study showed that brucellosis was a widely spread disease in the study areas and poses a substantial public health danger. To reduce the spread of the disease in small ruminants, public health risks, and economic losses, stringent vaccination application and awareness of personal hygiene are critical.