Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Brucellosis among Camels Belonging to Selected Districts of Afar, Ethiopia: Need for Public Awareness

Brucellosis is a highly infectious bacterial disease of global significance, which affects humans as well as a wide variety of animals. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three selected districts of Afar region of Ethiopia to determine the seroprevalence of camel brucellosis. A total of 245 camels from selected districts were included in the study. All serum samples were tested and screened serologically using Rose Bengal plate test and confirmed using a complement fixation test. Associated risk factor analysis was also conducted using chi-square and logistic regression analysis. As a result, 30 (12.2%) were Rose Bengal plate test reactors in which 10 (4.1%) were confirmed to be positive using complement fixation test. The statistical analysis indicated that herd size (χ2=13.206; p=0.001 and OR=17.053; 95% CI=1.988-146.254), contact with other ruminants (χ2=13.524; p=0.00 and OR=12.774; 95% CI=1.560-104.625) and history of abortion (χ2=28.022; p=0.00 and OR=38.000; 95% CI=4.694-307.657) were statistically significant and the major risk factors for the presence and transmission of the disease between animals. But age, body condition score, physiological status, parity and geographical location were found statistically insignificant (P>0.05). Public awareness towards the diseases was interviewed with the structured questionnaire format and it was noted that most of the pastoralists had no knowledge about zoonotic disease transmission, consequences of consuming raw milk, and handling aborted animals without any protective material. In general, camel brucellosis is prevalent in this area of study and public awareness towards zoonotic importance is low. Therefore, fruitful and sustainable work is required from the government, animal health professionals, and other stakeholders in the prevention and control of the disease. Improved public awareness is inevitable to reduce the prevalence and spread of the camel brucellosis.