Seroprevalence of small ruminant brucellosis in selected districts of Borana zone, southern Ethiopia

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of considerable economic and public health significance worldwide. No information available about brucellosis status in the Gomole and Elewaye districts, Borana pastoral area, southern Ethiopia. Hence, aim this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants and the associated risk factors in the study districts. A cross-sectional study design was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants and to assess the associated risk factors. The study animals were managed under extensive pastoral production system. Small ruminants above 6 months of age were included in the study. Approximately 10 mL of aseptic blood samples were collected from the jugular vein, and sera were extracted and stored at −20°C until the laboratory tests were conducted. All sera samples were screened using the rose Bengal plate test (RBPT). Those sera positive in RBPT were subjected to indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) for confirmation. From 648 sera samples (i.e., 264 sheep and 384 goats), 40 (6.2%) were seropositive in iELISA, and the seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep and goats was 3.4% and 8.1%, respectively. The seroprevalence of brucellosis was significantly higher in goats (odds ratio [OR], 2.15; p < 0.05) than in sheep, animals aged ≥ 5 years (OR, 11.23; p < 0.05), in good body condition (OR, 2.92; p < 0.05) and in larger flock sizes, ≥40 animals, (OR, 9.52; p < 0.05). The recorded seroprevalence was higher, and control measures, such as testing and culling of seropositive animals, could reduce the problem.