PREVALENCE OF BRUCELLOSIS IN SOME SETTLED CATTLE FARMS IN BAUCHI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Serological study was conducted to determine the prevalence of brucellosis in some settled cattle farms in Bauchi Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria. A total of 500 cattle sera from 6 farms were collected and examined for antibodies against Brucella species using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT). Information about the sex, age, and breeds of cattle were collected using structured questionnaire. Association between prevalence of the disease and age, sex and breeds of cattle were determined using Chi-square test. The results obtained revealed overall prevalence of 35 (7%).The highest prevalence observedin cattle aged between 4-6 years old was 18 (3.6%) while the least prevalence of 1 (0.2%) was recorded in cattle aged above 9 years. Based on sex, the infection was higher in females 22 (4.4%)than males 13 (2.6%). There was a significant association between the prevalence of brucellosis and the sex of cattle at P≤0.05. However, there is no significant association between prevalence of the disease and the age and breeds of cattle examined.The study confirmed the presence of brucellosis in the study area and infected cattle in the screened farms are likely to transmit the disease to humans and other susceptible animals. It is recommended that allinfected animals should be immediately culled to avoid further spread of the infection, susceptible animals should be vaccinated and public should be enlightened about the zoonotic nature of the disease.