Introduction: Brucellosis is a global zoonotic disease and major public and animal health problem in many parts of the world, particularly in places where livestock is a major source of food and income. This cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2012 and May 2013 to determine the seroprevalence and assess potential risk factors of brucellosis in small ruminants in five export abattoirs at Debre Ziet and Modjo, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Methodology: Serology and questionnaire were the methods used. In this investigation, 853 sera samples of 485 caprines and 368 ovines brought for slaughter were selected randomly. The Rose Bengal plate test and complement fixation test were conducted using sera samples at National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center (NAHDIC) serology laboratory. Data collection sheets were used to gather information on possible risk factors believed to influence the occurrence of Brucella infection in small ruminants such as age, species, breed, body condition score, and origin of small ruminants. Results: Brucellosis was found in 17 (1.99%) and 15 (1.76%) small ruminants using the Rose Bengal plate test and complement fixation test, respectively. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age and body condition score of the animals were risk factors to Brucella infection (p = 0.008 and p = 0.001, respectively) in small ruminants. Conclusions: Based on this survey, brucellosis is a potential problem in small ruminants in Ethiopia that should be further explored.

This study reports a prevalence and risk factor survey of brucellosis in small ruminants in Southern Zone of Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia between October 2011 and April 2012 to determine the sero-prevalence of small-ruminant brucellosis and to identify associated risk factors for the occurrence of disease in small ruminants under extensive production system. Multistage random sampling was followed to select locations, flocks, and individual animals. Laboratory analysis of serum samples provided sero-prevalence estimates for flocks and geographic location. Information on risk factors at the individual and flock level was obtained by examination of individual animal and a questionnaire interview to flock owners. The overall individual animal-level sero-prevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants was 3.5 % and flock level sero-prevalence was 28.3 %, and the within-flock sero-prevalence was ranged from 0 % to 22.2 % based on the Complement Fixation Test. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the major risk factors for flock level sero-positivity were flock size and abortion history. This study showed that small-ruminant brucellosis is prevalent in the study area. Larger flock size and history of previous abortion in the flock were major risk factors identified for sero-positivity of small-ruminant brucellosis.

BackgroundBrucellosis is one of the major zoonoses globally with great veterinary and public health importance, particularly in developing countries where people are having frequent contact with livestock and animal products. This cross sectional study was carried out from November 2013 to May 2014 to determine the seroprevalence and assess the potential risk factors of brucellosis in abattoir workers of five export abattoirs at Debre Ziet and Modjo, Central Ethiopia.MethodsSerology and structured questionnaire were the methods used. In this study, 156 abattoir workers participated in the questionnaire survey and among them, 149 agreed for blood sample collection. Rose Bengal Plate Test and Complement Fixation Test were conducted using sera samples at serology laboratory of the National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center. Data collection sheets were used to gather information on possible risk factors believed to influence the spread of Brucella infection in abattoir workers such as sex, age, marital status, duration on job, types of work, educational level, etc. and further information obtained include knowledge of brucellosis and other zoonotic diseases infection, symptoms of the disease, milk and meat consumption habits and work related risk factors. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used for data analysis.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of brucellosis in abattoir workers was found to be 4.7 and 1.3% using Rose Bengal plate test and Compliment fixation test, respectively. Based on the questionnaire survey, 66 (44.2%) and 85 (53.21%) of abattoir workers were aware of brucellosis and other zoonotic diseases, and 29 (18.6%) and 21 (13.5%) were using gloves and cover their mouth while slaughtering, respectively.ConclusionBrucellosis in abattoir workers could be prevented by using protective closing and measures. Concerned body should educate occupationally exposed groups and the general public regarding e prevention and control of brucellosis and other zoonotic diseases.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Asella and Bishoftu towns of Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia to determine seropositivity and associated risk factors exposing dairy cattle to brucellosis from December, 2013 to March, 2014. A total of 570 dairy cattle from 35 herds were purposely selected for inclusion in the study based on abortion history. From 35 farms studied, 80, 55.56 and 100% of the farm owners in small, medium and large herd sizes responded as they were aware of brucellosis, respectively. It was also found out that all farm owners of the study area were dependent on culling of the known Brucella infected animals, while most of the farm owners dispose the after birth to open dump in small and medium herd size farms. All sera sample collected were tested and confirmed serologically using the card test (CT), rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), indirect enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (i-ELISA) and complement fixation test (CFT). Out of 570 samples tested in the present study, an overall sero prevalence was estimated 1.4% (95% CI: 0.241, 3.461) by complement fixation test (CFT). Among the tested samples, 13 (2.28%), 15 (2.63%) and 16 (2.81%) were found positive by the aforementioned tests, respectively. The higher seroprevalence, 3.23% (95% CI: 3.0, 7.4) was observed in Asella compared to Bishoftu (0.52%) town. A Chi-square computed statistical analysis indicated that origin (χ2=6.63; P<0.05), breed type (χ2= 8.49; P<0.05), abortion history (χ2=92.43; P<0.001) and abortion period (χ2=192.97; P<0.001) were the major risk factors for Brucella infection in the study areas. Multivariable logistic regression statistical analysis revealed that origin and breed type were significantly associated with Brucella seropositivity (P<0.05). Consequently, origin was statistically identified to be the major risk factor for brucellosis to occur in relation to other factors (OR=7.56). In conclusion, the prevailing Brucella seropositivity in most of the dairy farms of the study areas signifies the economic importance of brucellosis in the dairy cattle industry and the potential public health implication for human population. Therefore, more proactive measures should be taken to protect the cattle populations from Brucella infection to reduce its economic impact to the dairy industry and the risk of zoonotic infection in exposed human population in the study areas.

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is one of the most important threats to cattle health and production in Ethiopia. At the livestock farm of the Bako Agricultural Research Center, an outbreak of respiratory disease of cattle occurred in May 2011, and many animals were affected and died before the disease was diagnosed. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of CBPP antibodies in selected districts of Western Oromia Region and to assess the potential risk factors for the occurrence of the disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2013 to March 2014 in three selected districts of Western Oromia Region. A total of 386 sera were examined for the presence of specific antibodies against Mycoplasma mycoidesmycoides small colony (MmmSC), using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The risk factors that were evaluated in this study were geographical location, age, sex, breed and body condition. The overall seroprevalence in this study was 28.5%. The seroprevalence of Mycoplasma mycoidesmycoides small colony antibodies at the district level was 40.3%, 19.0% and 5.7% in Gobbu Sayyo, BakoTibbe and Horro districts, respectively. There was a statistically significant variation (p < 0.05) in the prevalence of antibodies amongst the districts. However, animal-related risk factors, such as age, sex, breed and body condition, were not significantly associated (p > 0.05) with the serological status of the animal. This study showed that the overall prevalence of CBPP in Western Oromia Zones was high. This warrants the implementation of appropriate preventive and control measures to minimise the economic losses associated with the disease.