Brucella abortus agglutinins in dogs in Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

Serum samples from dogs brought for routine physical examination, vaccination and other complaints at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of Ahmadu Bello University and other parts of Zaria were tested for Brucella abortus antibodies. Forty-three (21.5%) of the 200 dogs studied were positive for B. abortus agglutinins by the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and 15 (7.5%) by the Serum Agglutination Test (SAT). Exotic, local and cross breeds of the dogs, had prevalence rates of 5.3%, 7.6% and 7.9% respectively. Age-specific prevalence rates were 6.3% in dogs older than 5 years compared to 11.4% recorded for dogs of 1-5 years. The difference was statistically significant (df = 2, Χ² = 7.64, p<0.05). The prevalence rates of antibodies against B abortus in staff quarters (13.6) was significantly (df = 2, Χ² = 6.34, P<0.05) higher than those of VTH 6.5% and Zaria metropolis 2.1% suggesting a higher contact rater between dogs and cattle. There was no statistical difference between the infection rates in the various breeds and sexes of the dogs sampled. This appears to be the first report of B. abortus antibodies in dogs from the Northern States of Nigeria. The current finding is suggestive of higher contact rate between canine and bovine species as they share a common environment. Control programmes is forestall brucellosis epidemic in man and animals is recommended.

KEY WORDS: Dogs, serum, Brucella abortus

Nigerian Veterinary Journal Vol.25(1) 2004: 35-38