Sero-Prevalence of Caprine Brucellosis in Babile Woreda, Eastern Hararghe, Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted in six Peasant Association of Babile woreda. A sero-prevalence study of caprine brucellosis by using serological tests to determine the prevalence and the potential risk factors associated with brucellosis in the study area. Sera samples were collected from 384 unvaccinated and apparently healthy adult goats. The samples were examined serologically by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) for first screening test and Compliment fixation Test (CFT) for confirmations. All positive sera samples to RBPT were confirmed with CFT. Out of the total 384 samples were examined serologically 1.56% were reacted to be positive for RBPT screening tests and these positive samples continue to retest with CFT, it indicated as 0.78% prevalence of brucellosis from the examined samples. From the six-peasant association the highest sero-prevalence results recorded in CFT were Gemechu (1.75%) followed by Bissedemo (1.37%) and Shek Hussen (1.19%). Caprine brucellosis sero-prevalence statistically not significantly difference (P> 0.05) on sex (χ2 = 0.274; P= 0.600). The present study showed that caprine brucellosis is an endemic and widely distributed disease in goat, in the study area. In conclusion; In Ethiopia, domestic goats play an important role in the national economy. It has been estimated that there are approximately one hundred million domestic animals in Ethiopia, 23% of which are goats upon this caprine brucellosis have a negative influence on both food security and important export commodity. Therefore: effective extension system and programs that could raise public health awareness on disease transmission to human and how to care and handle their animals. Control programs should be designed and implemented with the participation of all stakeholders (farmers, government, privet sectors and veterinarians). Further studies should be conducted on the high-risk groups and the associated risk factors of caprine brucellosis in different agro-ecology parts of the country.