Status Of Brucellosis Research Articles

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in Cattle of Rupandehi District, Nepal

Brucellosis is a contagious zoonotic disease affecting both cattle and humans, with notable economic and public health implications in Nepal. Despite previous studies indicating varying prevalence rates in different regions of the country, there is limited recent data on the status of Brucellosis in Rupandehi district. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Rupandehi district, Nepal, from 1st July to 30th September 2023. A total of 141 cattle blood samples from 92 farms were collected and tested using ID Screen® Brucellosis Indirect ELISA kits. Epidemiological survey was also conducted to gather information on risk factors associated with Brucellosis. All 141 blood samples were tested negative for Brucellosis, resulting in a seroprevalence rate of 0%. This study provides valuable data indicating a zero prevalence of Brucellosis in cattle of Rupandehi district, Nepal. This research doesn’t show any association for the prevalence of Brucellosis regarding the risk factor.

Development and Bayesian validation of a competitive inhibition ELISA for detection of antibodies against Brucella abortus in cattle

Bovine brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella abortus, responsible for abortions in cows. It is endemic in low- and middle-income countries, where the brucellosis control and eradication programs are based on compulsory vaccination, detection of infected cattle through serologic assays, and culling of infected animals at slaughterhouses. The development of high sensitivity and specificity, and low-cost serologic assays guarantee their implementation in countries where the disease is endemic. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a competitive inhibition enzyme-linked immune assay (ciELISA) to detect anti-B. abortus antibodies in sera from cattle. The developed ciELISA was validated using 2833 serum samples from dairy and beef cattle. From these, 1515 sera were from uninfected cows that belonged to free of brucellosis herds and 1318 were from infected cows that belonged positive to brucellosis herds. Sera were analyzed with the developed ciELISA, the buffer plate antigen (BPA) test, and the complement fixation test (CFT). The brucellosis status of the herds was officially established according to the country legislation and consistent for at least 5 years and was defined for each cow using the CFT as gold standard. The cutoff for the ciELISA was calculated using a ROC curve and its sensitivity and specificity were analyzed using the Bayesian Latent Class Model (BLCM) approach. The agreement among tests was calculated using the kappa (κ) value. In addition, 15 calves were vaccinated with 3 × 1010 viable cells of B. abortus Strain 19 vaccine, and the dynamics of antibodies were measured by CFT, buffered plate antigen (BPA) test, and the developed ciELISA. The obtained cutoff for ciELISA was ≥ 47 percentage of inhibition (% I), at the BLCM approach the sensitivity was 99.01 % (95 % CI: 97.55–100) and the specificity 98.74 % (95 % CI: 97.68–99.8). The κ between the ciELISA and BPA was κ = 0.88 and between the ciELISA and CFT κ = 0.95. Antibodies against B. abortus were detected in all the vaccinated calves 7 days after vaccination (AV) by the three assays, at day 135 AV all the calves were negative to CFT (15/15), 93.3 % (14/15) to ciELISA and 73.3 % (11/15) to BPA, and at day 190 AV all the calves were negative to the three assays. The developed ciELISA showed a very good performance, could detect the majority of vaccinated animals as negative after 135 days and could be used for the detection of anti-B. abortus antibodies in serum samples for the brucellosis control and eradication program.

Human exposures to Brucella canis from a pregnant dog during an international flight: Public health risks, diagnostic challenges and future considerations.

This report documents the exposure of passengers and crew of a commercial international flight to the zoonotic pathogen Brucella canis after an infected dog aborted in the passenger cabin of the aircraft. This case demonstrates the challenges associated with brucellosis screening and the risks that airline personnel, airport employees and travellers face when animals with unrecognized zoonotic infections are transported. The public health investigation of this case was conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, the Illinois Department of Health and the Illinois Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with a local veterinary clinic and several academic and federal diagnostic laboratories. It included an extensive diagnostic evaluation of the dam and aborted foetuses to confirm a diagnosis of canine brucellosis. Passengers, airline personnel and staff from the veterinary clinic where the dogs were treated underwent risk assessments, and clinic staff also received detailed guidance regarding infection prevention practices. Animal shelters and breeding programs are recommended to screen dogs routinely for brucellosis, but it is not unusual for domestic or imported animals to have unknown health histories, including the dog's brucellosis status, at the time of purchase, adoption, or re-homing. Testing recommendations and requirements vary by state, making it challenging for state public health and animal health agencies to monitor and respond appropriately. This case highlights the importance of Brucella spp. screening in sexually intact dogs prior to breeding, purchase, or domestic or international transportation of the dogs. The transportation of pregnant dogs may present a previously unrecognized public health threat in addition to contributing to unnecessary stress and health risks for pregnant animals.

Prevalence and co-infection status of brucellosis and tuberculosis in Hanwoo in Jeonnam province

Prevalence and co-infection status of brucellosis and tuberculosis in Hanwoo in Jeonnam province

Serological and molecular survey of brucellosis and chlamydiosis in dromedary camels from Tunisia

The present sero-epidemiological survey was designed and conducted to scrutinize the current status of camel-related brucellosis and chlamydiosis in Tunisia. Whole blood and serum samples were collected from 470 dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) from eight different Tunisian governorates. Serum samples were subjected to indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). The detection of Brucella and Chlamydia DNA was performed using conventional PCR targeting the bcsp-31 and 16S rRNA gene, respectively. Overall, 10/470(2.12%) and 27/470 (5.75%) camels were revealed seropositive to Brucella and Chlamydia, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed different risk factors associated with these infections. Meaningful high rates of seropositivity of brucellosis (9.5%; p=0.000; OR=64.193) and chlamydiosis (22.6%; p=0.000; OR=42.860) were noted among camels showing previous abortions in particular for aged females. Besides, Chlamydia seropositivity is significantly important during winter (12.5%; p= 0.009; OR= 27.533), and in camels raised in small farms (11.4%, p= 0.000, OR=86.052). Molecular analysis revealed no positivity from all analyzed blood samples. These findings indicate the involvement of camels in the epidemiology of these abortive infectious diseases. This raises awareness and serious public health concern for infectious camel diseases in order to develop further diagnostic improvements and effective control strategies.

Testicular involvement of Brucellosis: A 10-year, multicentre study.

The genito-urinary system is one of the most common areas of involvement in brucellosis. To present the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of patients with testicular involvement associated with brucellosis, together with the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Patients followed up for brucellosis-related testicular involvement between January 2012 and November 2022 were included in the study. Brucellosis is defined as the production of Brucella spp. in cultures, or clinical symptoms together with the serum standard tube agglutination test titer of ≥ 1/160. Inflammation in scrotal Doppler ultrasonography was based on testicular involvement. A retrospective evaluation was made of the data of 194 patients with brucellosis-related testicular involvement. The rate of determination of testicular involvement in brucellosis was 2.57%. The most affected patients were determined in the 16-30 years age range. On presentation, brucellosis was in the acute stage in 83.7% of patients. The most common symptoms on presentation were swelling and/or pain in the testes (86.6%). In the patients where a spermiogram could be performed, oligospermia was determined in 41.7%, and aspermia in 8.3%. When the testicular involvement of brucellosis was evaluated, epididymo-orchitis was present at the rate of 55.7%, epididymitis at 27.3%, and testis abscess at 5.1%. Although epididymo-orchitis was the most frequently determined form of involvement in this study, there was also seen to be a significant number of patients presenting with epididymitis. Male patients presented with the clinical status of brucellosis should be questioned about swelling and pain in the testes to avoid overlooking testicular involvement.

Seroprevalence, Accuracy and Precision Value of Brucellosis Surveillence at The Region Area of Balai Karantina Pertanian Kelas I Balikpapan

The Technical Implementation Unit alai Karantina Pertanian Kelas I Balikpapan plays a role in efforts to prevent the entry, spread, and release of HPHK. Direct observation was performed by surveying the target brucellosis in the region of Balai Karantina Pertanian Kelas I Balikpapan. This surveillance aimed to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis and to support the maintenance of brucellosis status in East Kalimantan. Sampling in areas with reported clinical symptoms and brucellosis reactors. The sampling areas were based on the region of Balai Karantina Pertanian Kelas I Balikpapan in Balikpapan City, North Penajam Paser Regency, Paser Regency, and Kutai Kartanegara Regency. The method for calculating the number of samples to detect the disease uses the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and Complement Fixation Test (CFT). The test results showed a seroprevalence of 0.29%, positive and negative predictive values of 50% and 99,7%, respectively, an accuracy value of 99.11%, and a precision of 50%. The test performance based on the accuracy value was excellent because it had a value of 99.11%, which means that the ability of the CFT to detect all samples tested correctly was 99.11%. The test carried out using the CFT test on this surveillance had a precision or test consistency of 50%, and the sensitivity and specificity were 50% and 99.7%, respectively.

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

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.

P-046 Serological status of Brucellosis in smallholder small ruminant farms in Punjab, Pakistan

P-046 Serological status of Brucellosis in smallholder small ruminant farms in Punjab, Pakistan

The Status and Risk Factors of Brucellosis in Smallholder Dairy Cattle in Selected Regions of Tanzania

Bovine brucellosis is a bacterial zoonoses caused by Brucella abortus. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine brucellosis seroprevalence and risk factors among smallholder dairy cattle across six regions in Tanzania. We sampled 2048 dairy cattle on 1374 farms between July 2019 and October 2020. Sera were tested for the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seroprevalence was calculated at different administrative scales, and spatial tests were used to detect disease hotspots. A generalized mixed-effects regression model was built to explore the relationships among Brucella serostatus, animals, and farm management factors. Seroprevalence was 2.39% (49/2048 cattle, 95% CI 1.7-3.1) across the study area and the Njombe Region represented the highest percentage with 15.5% (95% CI 11.0-22.0). Moreover, hotspots were detected in the Njombe and Kilimanjaro Regions. Mixed-effects models showed that having goats (OR 3.02, 95% C 1.22-7.46) and abortion history (OR 4.91, 95% CI 1.43-16.9) were significant risk factors for brucellosis. Education of dairy farmers regarding the clinical signs, transmission routes, and control measures for brucellosis is advised. A One Health approach is required to study the role of small ruminants in cattle brucellosis and the status of brucellosis in dairy farmers in the Njombe and Kilimanjaro Regions.

The status of cattle brucellosis in Ethiopia: A review

Brucellosis is an infectious bacterial disease caused by member of the genus Brucella. Bovine Brucellosis is an important disease of cattle, which has zoonotic importance with substantial economic losses. Risk factors that can predispose to brucellosis include Animal factors, Pathogen factors, environmental factors, managemental factors and occupational risk factors. Hence, knowledge of brucellosis occurrence in traditional livestock husbandry practice has considerable importance in reducing the economic and public health impacts of the disease. The possible sources of infections include all infected tissues, aborted fetus, vaginal discharges, cultures and potentially contaminated materials. The pathogenesis of the diseases lies on the presence of the bacteria, in the cells and employing various methods to survive in the phagocytic cells. The disease can be transmitted from infected host to susceptible animals in direct and indirect contacts. However, the most common mode of transmission is sexual contact. Various methods are employed for the diagnosis of brucellosis including microscopic examination, culture methods, serological and molecular biology. In Ethiopia, Brucella sero prevalence with in extensive cattle rearing system is lower than that of intensive systems. The most rational approach for control of B. abortus infection is by vaccinating young female animals. To deal with diseases like brucellosis, the public in general and high-risk groups in particular should be made aware of the zoonotic and economic importance of brucellosis through veterinary extension education.

PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF BOVINE BRUCELLOSIS IN SMALLHOLDER DAIRY COWS OF MYMENSINGH DISTRICT IN BANGLADESH

Background: Most of the smallholder animal farmers in rural Bangladesh depend on livestock for their livelihoods but significant percentage of these animals do not achieve their potential mainly due to inadequate nutrition and disease and occasionally transmit zoonotic disease like brucellosis. Brucellosis has been recognized as a neglected zoonotic disease in the low-income countries that produce few or no clinical signs in the affected animals making it more difficult for the dairy farmers to use preventive measures. However, sero-monitoring could help to detect the occurrence of Brucella infection in smallholder dairy farm management system. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for positivity of bovine brucellosis by using sero-screening and milk ring test supported with questionnaire Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study on bovine brucellosis was conducted in smallholder dairy cows in the district of Mymensingh during the period from August to December 2019. Serum samples of 460 lactating cows along with their milk samples were collected randomly. Serum samples were screened for brucellosis with Rapid Antigen Kit Test and Rose Bengal Test (RBT), whereas milk samples were tested with Milk Ring Test (MRT). Farm and animal level demographic and risk factor data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results: The overall sero-prevalence was found to be 3.9% (95% CI 2.4-6.2) using RBT and Rapid Antigen Kit Test and 2.8% (CI 1.5-4.9) using Milk Ring Test, respectively. The odds of brucellosis was 7.4 times (95% CI: 2.5-21.5) higher in cows with repeat breeding that without repeat breeding. Moreover, the sero-prevalence of brucellosis was significantly higher (Odds ratio: 15.7; 95% CI: 5.2-47.4) in cows with retention of fetal membranes than without retention of fetal membranes. Conclusions: The prevalence of Brucella infection in smallholder dairy farms with no adaptation of any preventive measures against this disease in Bangladesh. The sero-prevalence of brucellosis recorded in this study should be interpreted with caution and confirmatory diagnosis is needed to know the accurate status of brucellosis in smallholder dairy farms. The prevalence of Brucella infection in smallholder farms by using sero-test and milk ring test warrants further molecular test prior to embarking on a control program.

Bayesian Evaluation of Three Serological Tests for Diagnosis of Brucella infections in Dromedary Camels Using Latent Class Models

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with significant economic and public health impacts. The disease has been found in ruminants, including camels, but clinical diagnosis of camel brucellosis is difficult due to the lack of clinical signs. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the Buffered Plate Antigen Test (BPAT), Rose Bengal Test (RBT), and indirect ELISA (i-ELISA) for the diagnosis of Brucella infection in dromedary camels imported from Sudan to Egypt. The secondary objective of the study was to calculate the animal-level true prevalence of Brucella infection in imported camels. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 921 apparently healthy camels randomly selected from those imported from Sudan and kept in the quarantine stations in the Shalateen area of the Red Sea Governorate, Egypt, between June 2018 and January 2019. Serum samples were collected and analyzed using BPAT, RBT, and i-ELISA. The posterior estimates [medians and 95% Bayesian probability intervals (95% BPI)] for Se and Sp of the three serological tests were obtained using Bayesian latent class models (BLCMs). The BLCM was fitted with the assumption that the BPAT and RBT tests were conditionally dependent on the true brucellosis status of camels. All tests had comparable and high Se (>86%) and Sp (>98%). The animal-level true prevalence of Brucella infection in imported camels was 8.6% (95% BPI: 6.8 – 10.7). Based on these findings, the three assays could be used for the initial screening of Brucella infection in camels. However, the BPAT and RBT are more suitable for use in camel brucellosis control and eradication program in Egypt because of their low unit cost and fast turnaround time compared to the i-ELISA. In addition, BPAT and RBT could be performed in the field where in-vivo tests are rarely used due to logistic and management constraints.

Development, validation and field evaluation of an indirect ELISA for the detection of antibodies against Brucella abortus in bulk and individual milk samples in dairy cattle

Brucellosis is an abortigenic and zoonotic disease. In cattle, it is mainly caused by Brucella abortus. The disease is endemic in low- and middle-income countries, being considered a neglected zoonotic disease. In these countries, it is of high importance to develop and validate sensitive, specific and low-cost diagnostic assays for brucellosis. The aim of the present study was the development of an indirect enzyme-linked immune assay (iELISA) to detect anti-B. abortus antibodies in milk samples. We purified the lipopolysaccharide antigen from B. abortus and produced an anti-bovine IgG monoclonal antibody to develop an iELISA (iELISAINTA). The iELISAINTA was validated using 1730 bulk milk samples and 1734 individual milk samples. The sampled dairy herds had at least 3 years of consistency at their positive or negative official brucellosis status. Individual milk samples were taken in parallel with serum samples from the cows. The status of the cows was defined by the result of the complement fixation test (CFT) performed with their serum sample. The reproducibility of the assay was evaluated in two laboratories. In addition, we evaluated the performance of the assay in the field, using 4385 bulk milk samples and 968 individual milk samples. The results of the iELISAINTA were compared with those obtained using the officially accepted brucellosis techniques: iELISA from Canada (iELISACFIA) in milk samples, and the buffered plate antigen (BPA) and the CFT in serum samples. At validation, the sensitivity (Se) of the iELISAINTA in bulk milk samples was 98.61 %, and the specificity (Sp) 98.79 % with a ≥ 10 % of positivity (PP) cutoff. In individual milk samples, the Se was 98.04 %, and the Sp 98.56 % with a ≥ 16 PP cutoff. The chance-corrected agreement kappa value (κ) between the results obtained in the different laboratories was κ = 0.87. In the field evaluation, in bulk milk samples the κ value between the iELISAINTA and the iELISACFIA was κ = 0.86. On individual milk samples, the κ values were: between the iELISAINTA and the iELISACFIA κ = 0.79, between the iELISAINTA and BPA was κ = 0.85, and between the iELISAINTA and CFT κ = 0.82. The developed iELISAINTA showed a very good performance and it could be used as a screening assay for anti-B. abortus antibodies detection in individual milk samples and for epidemiologic surveillance in bulk milk samples.

Brucellosis in small ruminant: seroprevalence, risk factors, and distribution in the southeast of Algeria.

The impact of brucellosis on public health and economy is unquestionable in developing countries such as the case of Algeria. This study aimed to provide further understanding of epidemiological status of brucellosis in small ruminant flocks in the southeast of Algeria. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted among small ruminant flocks (n = 51) in El Oued district using simple random sampling strategy. The serum samples collected from 612 sheep and goats (sheep = 280, goats = 332) were screened for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal test (RBT) and the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) in parallel on all the serum samples. The seropositive serum samples of both tests were confirmed with the complement fixation test (CFT). A structured questionnaire regarding animal, herd, and farm management was prepared and completed in parallel to sampling. Association between variables and Brucella spp. seropositivity status of herds was assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis using simple and binary logistic regression. Estimated true herd prevalence was 27.95% (95% CI, 17.18-42.01), and true individual prevalence was 3.98% (95% CI, 2.51-6.03). Seropositive herds were detected in bordering areas and regions with the highest livestock density. Occurrence of abortions in herds (p = 0.03) increased at least five times (5) the odds of being seropositive (OR, 6.25; 95% CI, 1.20-32.46). Poultry presence in farms revealed to be a protective factor (p = 0.01) (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.02-0.61). The high-level seroprevalence quantified in this study in small ruminant flocks reflects the persistent animal infection endemicity and the high risk of human exposure.

Bovine brucellosis serological survey in small dairy herds in Lushnja district, Albania

Bovine brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease in Albania. Both B. abortus and B. melitensis have been isolated from ruminants. National control and eradication programs for brucellosis are applied on sheep and goat farms and larger dairy cattle farms. However, the current control programs for brucellosis do not cover small dairy cattle farms, and there is no valid data on the prevalence of the disease in this category; this prevents formulating evidence-based and effective strategies for control of the disease in this population subset. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the herd and within-herd prevalence of bovine brucellosis in small bovine herds and provide scientific evidence for establishing an evidence-based approach to control the disease in this subset of the population not previously included in the national eradication program. To achieve this objective, a statistical survey was designed and implemented in small dairy herds in the Lushnja district, where samples from statistically selected herds were serologically tested in parallel with Rose Bengal Test (RBT), Fluorescence Polarization Assay (FPA) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). In total, 120 dairy herds were randomly selected from a list of 1,955 registered herds: from these selected herds, 368 blood samples were collected from all animals older than 12 months, and their sera were tested using RBT, FPA, and c-ELISA. The test results revealed no positive or suspect cases. Based on these results, we are confident (P0.05) that Brucella spp is not circulating in this subpopulation of cattle in the Lushja district. This deduction is supported by analyses of the main risk factors, other epidemiological data, and the perceptions of official and private veterinarians. This is the first structured survey of bovine brucellosis in small dairy herds in Albania. In conclusion, our study results and our findings show that the epidemiological status of bovine brucellosis in the Lushnja district is encouraging. Therefore, a test and slaughter control program appears appropriate in smaller herds. Furthermore, the approach used in this pilot study could be extended to establish the prevalence of brucellosis in other districts, the result of which would establish the basis for rational control measures in the smaller herds of cattle.

Changing Patterns in Epidemiology of Brucellosis in the South of Iran (2015-2020): Based on Cochrane-Armitage Trend Test.

Background:Brucellosis is known in Iran as an endemic disease; however, its incidence is not the same in all provinces and is higher in some areas.Objective:The present study was designed to determine the epidemiological status and trend of brucellosis in the period from 2015 to 2020 in the south of Fars province, Southern Iran.Methods:This is a cross-sectional analytical study. This study included all patients with brucellosis in the period from 2015 to 2020 whose information had been registered in the Infectious Diseases Center of Larestan city. To collect the data, we used a checklist that included information such as age, gender, number of cases by year and month, occupation, and nationality of the patients with brucellosis. The rate of brucellosis incidence during these years was analyzed using the Cochran-Armitage trend test. P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.Results:The average annual incidence of the disease was 8.94 per 100 000 population. It has decreased from 26.83 (per 100 000 people) in 2015 to 1.83 (per 100 000 people) in 2020. The results of Cochrane-Armitage process test showed that the reduction in the incidence of the disease from 2015 to 2020 was significant (PTrend = 0.001). The trend of the disease by month also showed that the majority of cases occurred between December and February, with the highest incidence of the disease in February (9.93 per 100 000 people) and the lowest in May (1.1 per 100 000 people) (P = 0.001).Conclusion:Although the results of the present study indicated a decrease in the incidence of the disease in the southern region of Fars province, due to the fact that the disease is common between humans and livestock, there is the possibility of scattered and irregular epidemics in each period.

Bovine Brucellosis: Epidemiology, Public Health Implications, and Status of Brucellosis in Ethiopia.

Brucellosis is a globally distributed zoonotic disease that causes serious problems in developing countries such as Ethiopia. Brucella abortus is the primary cause of brucellosis in cattle, and Brucella melitensis and Brucella suis also occasionally cause Brucella infection in cattle. Abortion and the retained fetal membrane are typical signs in females, whereas orchitis and bursitis are the known signs in male cattle. Brucellosis is typically transmitted to healthy cattle by direct or indirect contact with diseased cattle or their discharges. Humans can acquire brucellosis through the consumption of unpasteurized milk or milk products, and through contact with diseased cattle or their discharges. The occurrence of bovine brucellosis is affected by different factors related to the management system, host, and environmental factors. In Ethiopia, the occurrence of brucellosis is high in pastoral and mixed cattle management systems, wherever humans live closely with cattle and so have a higher probability of picking up the Brucella organism. The most suitable technique in the management of Brucella infection is the vaccination of young female cattle. Brucella abortus can also be eradicated by the isolation of diseased cattle, administration of immunizing agents, and test-and-slaughter methods. Therefore, it is important to implement applicable management techniques and to increase public awareness about the transmission of brucellosis, and further research should be conducted on brucellosis in high-risk groups.

Status of Bovine Brucellosis in the Submitted Samples at Veterinary Research Institute from 2019 to 2021

Wayamba Journal of Animal Science (WJAS) is an open-access peer-reviewed journal published by the Society of Animal Science, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. WJAS provides a forum for the rapid dissemination of significant novel and high impact research in all disciplines of Animal Production. The journal will cover the fields of Animal Production, Nutrition, Physiology, Genetics & Breeding, Animal Products, Animal Behaviour, etc.

Serological Analyses of Human Brucellosis in Ngara and Kibondo Districts, Tanzania

Brucellosis, a zoonotic disease transmitted by Brucella species, is transmitted to humans from infected animals through handling dairy products like milk, blood, and semen. Although some human communities in Tanzania live close to livestock, the status of human brucellosis in Ngara and Kibondo Districts in Kagera and Kigoma regions, respectively, is poorly understood. As such, the present study aimed to investigate the status of human brucellosis in north-western Tanzania, particularly Ngara and Kibondo Districts, where the risk of contracting zoonotic diseases, including brucellosis, is high due to the abundance of livestock. Among the screened sera (n = 450), the prevalence was 13.11% with an incidence rate of 6.22% in 581,378 population size intimating that the risk is alarming. Brucellosis patients admitted in dispensaries and other lower health facilities ranged from 6% to 26%, while those admitted in hospitals ranged from 4% to 14% indicating that communities prefer primary health facilities to hospitals when they show symptoms of brucellosis. The present study has also revealed that communities engaged in slaughtering, milking, skinning and helpers during births of livestock are at high risk of acquiring Brucella spp. because the odds ratios’ of these activities range between 1.583 and 8.400. Therefore, awareness and education should be enhanced by veterinary officers and associated stakeholders. A comprehensive study of brucellosis using molecular techniques to reveal species-specific in north-western Tanzania is highly recommended.
 Keywords: brucellosis; prevalence; incidence; risk factors; serum