Suspected Brucellosis in Two Sokoto Gudali Bulls

In the process of daily routine operation at the Funtua abattoir, Katsina State, two adult Sokoto Gudali bulls were presented for slaughter. Close investigation during ante mortem examination revealed the bulls with swellings on their carpal joints. Further enquiry revealed long standing history of abortion and retained placenta in their herds. A decision to delay slaughter of the bulls was made till after the day’s activities. A decision was also made to collect blood without EDTA and hygroma fluid from the affected joints for screening of brucellosis at the Bacterial Zoonoses Laboratory of the Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The results from the serologicaltest indicated that the two bulls have evidence Brucella antibodies. Slaughter of the bulls was carried out and the knees of the bulls condemned. The State Veterinary Services was then alerted for necessary action. Presence of hygroma may be considered as evidence of brucellosis in the herd. The owners were advised not to breed such animals in future.