Studies On The Role Of Trade Cattle In The Transmission Of Brucellosis In Karagwe District, Tanzania

Abstract

The role of trade cattle in the transmission of brucellosis was evaluated by
determining the prevalence of Brucella antibodies in the traditional herd and in trade cattle. Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), and serum agglutination test (SAT) were used to assay 162 and 56 serum samples collected from traditional herds and trade stock respectively. Results showed that RBPT detected 17.9% [95% (CI 17.4 to 18.4)] and SAT (10.5%) [95% (CI 10.1 to 10.8)] Brucella abortus seropositive cattle in the traditional herds. Based on SAT, the seropositivity was significantly higher in adult cattle (14.3%) [95% (CI 13,5 to 15.1)] than in young cattle (5.1%) [95% (CI 4.5 to 5.7)] (p<0.05). About 21% (n=56) of the cows in the trade stock were Brucella seropositive. This was significantly higher than in the traditional herd (p<0.05). Assessment of risk and awareness of livestock keepers and tradesmen on brucellosis was done by interviewing 123 livestock keepers and 37 tradesmen. Awareness of livestock owners on clinical signs, transmission and control methods for brucellosis was, 72.4%, 42.3% and 20.3% respectively. Abortions (48%) and poor disposal of foetal membranes and aborted foetuses (62%) were the risk factors for transmission of brucellosis
among and between the traditional herds. Culling criteria based on poor fertility, lack of health certification, destination and fate of animals were the possible risk factors for the transmission of brucellosis by trade cattle. Low awareness on the zoonotic nature of brucellosis (21%) and consumption of raw milk in 13.8% of the families were the risk factors for the transmission of the disease to livestock keepers. It was concluded that the seroprevalence of brucellosis in trade stock in Karagwe district is high and hence the risk of its transmission through trade animals.

Tanzania Veterinary Journal Vol. 25 (1) 2008: pp. 48-59