Assessing the Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Bovine Brucellosis in Meghalaya, North-east India

Aim: A cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted from 2015 to 2018 in Meghalaya state (India) to determine prevalence of bovine brucellosis by serological tests such as Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Indirect ELISA (iELISA) and Milk Ring Test (MRT). Materials and Methods: Serum samples were collected from 3193 cattle aged 1 year to 12 years and screened for Brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Indirect ELISA (iELISA). The samples were collected from both male and female cattle reared in organized farms and smaller private holdings. Individual milk samples (n=896) from representative dairy cattle were screened for brucellosis using the Milk Ring Test (MRT). Results: The iELISA revealed a serum positivity rate of 9.89% while the RBPT detected a positive rate of 9.33%. The prevalence rate was higher in females (12.32%) compared to males (2.21%). Cattle aged 1-4 showed higher susceptibility (11.66%) than other age groups. Higher prevalence were detected from organized farms maintaining high number of animals (13.09%) compared to smaller private holdings (9.02%). Cattle with a history of abortion and related clinical symptoms also had a higher and significant association with sero-positivity. The MRT indicated a high positivity of 17.29% among sampled dairy cattle. Conclusion: Brucellosis is prevalent in the hilly state of Meghalaya, India. This study insight into the prevalence of bovine brucellosis in the state highlighting potential risk factors for transmission to human. The high prevalence of brucellosis highlights the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and control measures in Meghalaya such as implementing targeted vaccination programs of all eligible female calves and intense information education campaign (IEC) to all the farmers and general public which could significantly reduce the disease's impact.