SERO-PREVALENCE OF SMALL RUMINANT BRUCELLOSIS AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN ENDERTA DISTRICT, SOUTHEASTERN ZONE OF TIGRAY

Abstract

Small ruminant brucellosis is a significant zoonotic disease that poses a threat to both animal and human health. This study was aimed to determine the sero-prevalence of small ruminant brucellosis and identify associated risk factors in Enderta district of Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional research design was employed from May, 2021 till October, 2023, and blood samples were collected from small ruminants managed under an extensive production system. Purposive sampling technique was followed to select district and peasant associations, and simple random sampling technique was also followed to select animals and attendants. The Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and the Complement Fixation Test (CFT) were used as screening and confirmatory tests, respectively. A questionnaire survey was also conducted on100 animal owners’ to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding brucellosis. A total of 384 animals were sampled, and the overall sero-prevalence of brucellosis was determined. The RBPT and CFT results showed that 24 animals tested positive for brucellosis, resulting in an overall sero-prevalence rate of 6.3% ( 95% CI: 0.042-0.092). The sero-prevalence rates were further analyzed in relation to potential risk factors. The presence of abortion history and older age greater than 2years in the flock was significantly associated with sero-positivity (p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of sero-positivity were higher in flocks with a history of abortion (OR=36, 95% CI: 13.30-97.39, p<0.001) and the odds of sero-positivity were also higher in animals with older age greater than 2years (OR=20.13, 95% CI: 2.68-150.62, P<0.003). The questionnaire survey revealed that 83 % of flock owners associated abortion with disease conditions. However, some flock owners were observed practicing activities that expose to brucellosis. About 5 % consume raw milk, 95 % do not bury aborted materials and 96 % assist their animals at delivery with bare hands. The low level and inadequate preventive practices among flock owners highlights the need for targeted awareness campaigns and improved disease management strategies. These findings can inform the development of effective control and prevention measures to reduce the burden of small ruminant brucellosis in the study area