Progressive Area Elimination of Bovine Brucellosis, 2013–2018, in Gauteng Province, South Africa: Evaluation Using Laboratory Test Reports

Abstract

Bovine brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of global public health and economic importance. South Africa has had a national bovine brucellosis eradication scheme since 1979; however, no published report on elimination progress from any province exists. We analysed laboratory test results of all cattle herds participating in the Gauteng Provincial Veterinary Services’ eradication scheme between 2013 and 2018. Herd reactor status and within-herd seroprevalence, modelled using mixed-effects logistic and negative binomial regression models, respectively, showed no significant change over the period. However, provincial State Vet Areas, Randfontein (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2–2.1; p < 0.001) and Germiston (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.5–2.5, p = 0.008) had higher odds of reactor herds than the Pretoria Area and within-herd prevalence count ratios for these areas were 1.5-fold greater than the Pretoria State Vet Area (p < 0.001). Reactor herds were associated with increased herd size (p < 0.001) and larger herd sizes were associated with lower within-herd prevalence (p < 0.001). Despite no evidence of significant progress toward bovine brucellosis elimination in Gauteng province, variability in bovine brucellosis prevalence between State Vet Areas exists. A public health and farmer-supported strategy of ongoing district-based surveillance and cattle vaccination targeting small- to medium-sized herds combined with compulsory test and slaughter of reactors in larger herds is recommended for the province.

Polyphasic Characterization of Brucella spp. in Livestock Slaughtered from Abattoirs in Eastern Cape, South Africa

“…The cattle population contributes to the majority of the income in SA and thus bovine brucellosis has a significant negative economic impact on the country’s dairy and beef industries [ 34 ]. A nationwide bovine brucellosis scheme existed in SA since 1979 [ 35 ] and includes the vaccination of heifers and test and slaughter of high-risk bovines such as dairy and export. This scheme is voluntary for other animal owners and depends on the resources and willingness of the owners [ 36 ].…”

Polyphasic Characterization of Brucella spp. in Livestock Slaughtered from Abattoirs in Eastern Cape, South Africa

“…Cattle population contribute to the majority of the income in South Africa and thus bovine brucellosis has a significant negative economic impact on the country's dairy and beef industries [34]. A nationwide bovine brucellosis eradication program has existed in South Africa from 1979 [35] that includes the vaccination of heifers and test and slaughter of high-risk bovine such as dairy and export. The scheme is voluntary for other animal owners and depends on the resources and willingness of the owners [36].…”