Seroprevalence of Bovine Brucellosis and Associated Risk Factors in Western Ethiopia.

Abstract

Background: Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial disease, which affects domestic animals, humans, and wildlife in Ethiopia and other countries.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design using a simple random sampling technique was conducted in Diga, Guto, Gida, and Sibu Sire districts of East Wollega Zone, Western Oromia, from November 2019 to July 2020 to determine the prevalence of bovine brucellosis and identify associated risk factors. A lottery method was used during serum collection and risk factors identified during interview.

Results: A total of 1152 serum samples were collected from cattle of 6 months age and above. Serum samples were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA). An overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was 1.82% (21/1152). Statically significant variation (P<0.05) in seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis was recorded among potential risk factors such as breed [P≤0.05; OR:8.905; CI:1.568-50.573], parity [P≤0.05; OR:0.017; CI:0.042-5.195], retained fetal membrane [P≤0.001; OR:0.018; CI:0.00-2.169], and abortion history [P≤0.001; OR:0.030; CI:0.004-0.212]. Conversely, seroprevalence variations in sex, district, villages, body condition score, and age were statistically insignificant (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The current study revealed bovine brucellosis is posing a threat to livestock with no strict control and prevention scheme in place. Therefore, public awareness creation about the zoonotic importance of the disease is crucial and the Government should establish legislation, support, control, and prevention of the disease recommended.