Seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in Donkeys (Equus asinus) in Yobe south senatorial zone, Northeastern Nigeria

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors influencing the presence of Brucella spp. antibodies in donkeys in Yobe south senatorial zone, Nigeria. The study was aimed at determining the importance of Brucella spp. infection in donkeys (Equus asinus). A total of 200 sera samples from of 105 males and 95 female donkeys were collected and screened for brucellosis using the rose bengal plate test (RBPT) and the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Data obtained were analyzed to determine associations and risk factors. The analysis revealed that 21.5% and 18.5% were seropositive by RBPT and iELISA respectively, with 22.0% and 20.0% of the male and female donkeys being seropositive by RBPT, and 19.0% and 17.9% of the male and female donkeys being seropositive by iELISA, respectively. There was a statistically significant association between donkey age and positive rate of iELISA for detecting Brucella infection. Though the positive rate was higher for males than females, there was no statistically significant association between sex and location of donkeys and the sensitivities of RBPT and iELISA for detecting Brucella infection. In conclusion, this study indicates that brucellosis exists with high seroprevalence particularly among male and adult donkeys and is of public health significance and economic importance because it can lead to infertility and abortion in the stock.