Prevalence and risk factors of infectious causes of abortions among goats in Maliba sub-county Kasese district Uganda

Abstract

Goat production is affected by diseases among other challenges and some of which are zoonotic hence of public health importance like Brucellosis and Rift valley fever (RVF). While others diseases like Peste des petitis ruminant (PPR) are of economic importance and threaten the livelihoods of farmers and the economy at large by causing abortions in goats. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out to estimate the sero-prevalence and risk factors of infectious causes of abortions among goats in Maliba sub-county Kasese district A total of 180 sera and data on biologically plausible risk factors using semi structured questionnaire from 27 herds, were collected from goats reared in Maliba sub-county. The sera were analyzed using indirect ELISA and sero-positive reactors confirmed by competitive ELISA. Univariable and multivariable models were used to investigate for associations between sero prevalence and risk factors. The sero-positivity of PPR on both herd and individual level was 55.6 % (15/27) and 28.3 % (51/180) respectively whereas that of Brucellosis at both herd and individual level 7.4% (2/27) and 1.7% (3/180) respectively and that of RVF was 0.0% all at 95% confidence interval. The disease Sero-prevalance was increased with increase in herd size (p=0.005), keeping sheep (0.0491). Other factors that contributed to seropositivity however no significant include free range grazing system (66.6%), keeping multiple species (56.5%), non-vaccinated (61.9%), introducing new goats (62.5%), goats sharing grazing fields with others (58.3%). There was no co infection between PPR and Brucellosis. The data highlight PPR and Brucellosis occurrence and major risk factors for its transmission in goats in Maliba sub-county. There should be vaccination of negative animals against PPR in Maliba sub-county and sensitization of farmers on prevention of the disease.