Seroprevalence of coxiellosis (Q fever) in flocks of goat in Birnin Gwari and Maigana Agro-ecological zone of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

The prolific and reproductive competences of animals. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of coxiellosis (Q fever) in flocks of goats in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of coxiellosis in goats in Birnin Gwari and  Maigana agro-ecological zone of Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 400 serum samples from goats of both sexes and of different age groups were collected and screened for Coxiella burnetii antibodies using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Out of the 400 sera analysed, 8.8% were seropositive coxiellosis. Of the 253 female goats tested, 9.5% were seropositive, while 7.5% were seropositive out of the 147 male goats  tested. There was no statistically significant association between sex of goats and coxiellosis (Q fever). A significant association was detected between age of goats tested and sensitivity of iELISA, non-significant association was found between breed of goats with sensitivity of iELISA. The study indicates that coxiellosis exists with high prevalence predominantly among female goats and is major public health challenge calling for  awareness amongst interested party for organized surveillance for the diseases in goats in Nigeria.

Keywords: Goat; Kaduna State; seroprevalence; Coxiella burnettii