Assessing livestock sero-prevalence and awareness of brucellosis in Ajia and Arivu in Arua District

Abstract

Worldwide, brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease of great public health and economic importance. It is one of the seven priority zoonoses ranked fourth in Uganda. This study was conducted in Ajia and Arivu sub-counties, Arua district. The main objective was to elucidate the sero-prevalence of brucellosis in cattle, goats and sheep and level of awareness of livestock farmers and herds attendants in Arua district. A total of (491) blood samples were collected, 185 from cattle, 223 from goats and 83 from sheep. In addition, a structured questionnaire was administered to 60 respondents from the two sub-counties. The blood samples were processed at Arua regional veterinary laboratory and sent to NADDEC, tested using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of Brucella antibodies. Out of 185 blood samples of cattle tested, 3 (1.6%). were positive and all from Arivu 3.1%. All samples from goats and sheep tested negative. The major factors that influenced seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle were mixing of herds and flocks during communal grazing, sharing of water points and poor disposal of aborted materials. There was no significant relationship between the seroprevalence and level of awareness by livestock farmers and herds attendants. It is recommended to educate the public, especially livestock owners/keepers on the risk factors for infection by Brucella organisms and control and preventive measures and practices.