Sero-Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Camel Brucellosis in Southern lowland of Ethiopia - Abstract
Brucellosis is a highly infectious bacterial disease of global significance, which affects a wide variety of animals as well as humans. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Yabello and Gomole districts of Borena Zone, Oromia Region, and Southern Ethiopia, to determine the seroprevalence of camel brucellosis and associated risk factors in the selected pastoralist area. The two study districts were purposively selected based on their potential camel population and their accessibility due to a lack of sufficient logistics. Totally 368 of camels from selected districts were included in the study. All serum samples were tested and screened serologically using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and confirmed using Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (i-ELISA) test. As a result, 46 (12.5%) were the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) reactors in which 11(3%) were confirmed to be positive by using Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (i-ELISA) test. Associated risk factor analysis was also conducted using chi-square and logistic regression analysis. The statistical analysis indicated that body condition score (?2=6.004; p=0.050 and OR=2.503; 95% CI=0.066-95.951),herd size (?2=8.560; p=0.014 and OR=8.195; 95% CI=0.289-232.523), physiological status (?2=19.273; p=0.001 and OR=0.130; 95% CI=0.003-6.686) and history of abortion (?2=29.354; p=0.001 and OR=119.159; 95% CI=5.051-28.818) were statistically significant and the major risk factors for the presence and transmission of the disease between animals as the present study. But age, sex, parity, herd composition, and district (geographical location) were found statistically insignificant (P>0.05). Public awareness towards the diseases was interviewed with the structured questionnaire format and it was noted that most of the pastoralists had no knowledge about zoonotic disease transmission, consequences of consuming raw milk, meat and handling aborted animals without any protective material. In general, camel brucellosis is prevalent in this area of study and public awareness towards zoonotic importance is low. Therefore, fruitful and sustainable work is required from the government, animal health professionals, and other stakeholders in the prevention and control of the disease.