2023/11/04 by Garoma, Tolesa
#Bovine #Brucellosis #Horro Guduru #Risk Factor #Seroprevalence
paper · doi:10.20372/star.v11i3.03
A cross-sectional study was conducted at Wollega University Horro Guduru Animal Production and Research Centre and its surrounding areas in Western Ethiopia to estimate the seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis and its associated risk factors from December 2017 to March 2018. A total of 812 cattle from three stations (districts) were randomly selected for serology, and questionnaires were collected from 102 respondents using the questionnaire format. All sample sera were screened by the Rose Bengal Plate Test, and positive samples were finally confirmed by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and complement fixation test. Out of 812 samples tested, an overall seroprevalence of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.241-3.461) was recorded. The highest seroprevalence, 4.41% (95% CI: 0.028–3.473), was observed around Fincha district as compared to Horro Guduru Animal Production Centre (0.31%) and Guduru District (0.99%). A Chi-square computed statistical analysis indicated that the origin (χ2=7.951: P<0.05), abortion history (χ2=8.217; P<0.050), retained foetal membrane (χ2=36.47: P<0.001), and abortion time (χ2=9.756; P<0.05) were associated with increased prevalence of Brucella infection in the study areas. Moreover, retained foetal membrane was statistically identified as a common risk factor by logistic regression (OR = 30.47, 95% CI) for brucellosis in cattle. The respondents indicated that only 38%, 18.18%, and 30% of the farm owners in small, medium, and large herd sizes were aware of brucellosis, respectively. The risk assessed indicates that using raw milk for human consumption has significant zoonotic importance. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate the presence of Brucella infection and its risk factors in the Horro Guduru animal production centre of Western Ethiopia. These results prompt the need for further investigation and characterization of the disease in order to prevent the infection and protect animals and people from contracting this economically important disease in the region.