Bacteriological and Serological Studies on Brucellosis in Sheep and Goats in a Research Farm in Kaduna State, Nigeria

This study aimed at investigating the occurrence of brucellosis among sheep and goats in a Research Farm in Zaria, Nigeria. Whole blood and serum samples from 580 small ruminants (265 from goats and 315 from sheep) were respectively cultured and serologically screened using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and Serum agglutination test (SAT). Notably, although no Brucella growth were observed from the blood cultures, antibodies were detected by the RBPT and SAT among goats (33.58%, 89/265; 25.66%, 68/265) and sheep (33.65%, 106/315; 6.35%, 20/315) respectively. Females of both species were observed to have a significantly higher seroprevalence from the RBPT compared to males (P<0.05). Our findings raise serious reproductive, economic and public health concerns and we recommend improved surveillance and screening particularly prior to introduction of new animals into the farm.