Seroprevalence of Brucella Infection in Bovine in Rukwa Region from 2019-2023

Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial zoonotic disease that affects both humans and animals. It is one of the most widespread zoonosis in the world which is endemic in most African countries. A cross-sectional study using retrospective data collection was conducted to determine the occurrence of Brucella species infection in bovine in the Rukwa Region for the past five years, from January 2019 to December 2023. The study utilized Laboratory investigation and diagnosis reports for the processed serum samples from the four Local Government Authorities (Sumbawanga, Kalambo, Nkasi District Councils and Sumbawanga Municipality) of Rukwa Region at Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency (TVLA) for five (5) years under review. Over the past five years, a total of 21,403 Bovine sera samples were collected and screened for Brucella species infection using Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) and 789 samples were reported Brucella positive resulting into 3.69% seroprevalence. The recorded Brucella seropositivity for the screened samples was higher in Nkasi District Council (61.98%) followed by Kalambo District Council (35.74%) and Sumbawanga Municipality with 1.27%. The lowest seropositivity was recorded from Sumbawanga District Council (1.01%). Also, the study indicated that there was an increase in number of Brucella seropositive cases over years, from 98 cases in year 2019 to 229 in year 2023. The findings of the study indicate the presence of Brucella antibodies in bovine in Rukwa Region especially in Nkasi District Council which reported higher seropositivity. Therefore, strengthening control measures through screening and culling, accompanied by strategic vaccination is important.