Bovine brucellosis: Seroepidemiology and herder’s knowledge, attitude and practices in Bench Maji zone, southern Ethiopia

Brucellosis is a major public and animal health problem in many parts of the world, particularly in pastoral settings where livestock is a major livelihood and food sources. Effective prevention and control of brucellosis depends on knowledge, attitude and practices of the community. This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2018 and April 2019 in Bench Maji zone, with the objectives of investigating the prevalence and associated risk factors of bovine brucellosis, and assessing the knowledge and practices of herders. A questionnaire survey (n=300) and collection of blood samples (n=772) were carried out. The sera samples were screened using Rose  Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and positive ones were further confirmed by using Complement Fixation Test (CFT). Results showed that 25 (3.24%) and 15 (1.94%) of the 772 animals were positive for RBPT and CFT. This shows an overall sero-prevalence of 1.94%, (95% CI: 0.97- 0.2.92%) bovine brucellosis in the study area. The highest prevalence, 2.74%, was recorded at Menitshasha district while no positive case was recorded at Menitgoldiya districts. Large herd size (OR=4.7) and migration (OR=3.52) showed association with seropositivity. Cows with abortion history had higher likelihood of seropositive than other groups. Majority of the pastoralists (72.7%) did not have information and basic knowledge about brucellosis, whereas about 27.3% of them heard about it and very small proportion (3.3%) knew its zoonotic importance. All of the respondents were practicing high risk behavior of acquiring the infection. Demographic factors such as education, family size and age of herders were found to have effects on knowledge of herders. Low level of knowledge, high-risk practices and willingness of herders to know more about brucellosis call for improving public awareness on zoonotic significance of the diseases through integrating animal health and public health extension services Keywords: Attitude, Bovine; Brucellosis; Ethiopia, Knowledge; Practices; Prevalence; Risk factors