Serological Survey of Brucella Infection in Small Ruminants in Yobe North, Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Brucella infection is a zoonotic bacterial disease which affects variety of animals and humans. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Jakusko Yobe North to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with brucellosis. A total of 250 sera samples were collected aseptically from the jugular vein of sheep of both sex and different age groups, sera were screened against Brucella spp. using Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT). The seroprevalence of 10.4% was recorded out of 250 sheep sampled, with the prevalence rates of 12.1% and 8.3% for female and male sheep respectively. There was no significant difference between sex and Brucella infection (OR = 0.6565, 95% CI = 0.2806 – 1.536, p = 0.443). Seroprevalence obtained was higher in sheep above two years (14.6%) but the seroprevalence was lower in sheep below two years (5.8 %), there was significant statistical difference between the age of sheep and Brucella infection (OR = 0.3619, 95% CI = 1463 – 0.8951, p = 0.0364). Though, brucellosis was reported in all the locations of sheep sampled, but there was no significant difference between the location of sheep. The study indicated the presence of Brucella infection in Jakusko and this is the first report of brucellosis in the study area, which is of public health significant because of the close contact between people and their animals. The information obtained will be useful in setting control, prevention, and eradication program among herdsmen/farmers.