Seroprevalence of Bovine Brucellosis in Selected Sites of Central Highland of Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Brucellosis is a contagious, economically significant bacterial disease that affects animals worldwide and is one of the most neglected zoonotic diseases in the world. The disease poses a barrier to the trade of animals and animal products, represents a public health hazard, and is an impediment to free animal movement. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out from December 2019 to May 2020 in order to determine seroprevalence and identify potential risk factors for brucellosis in dairy cows in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia with recent cases of abortion. Purposive sampling was carried out on the farms and kebeles in question to screen for recent cases of abortion in dairy cows. For the purpose of performing serological testing, 352 blood samples from dairy cattle were obtained. The Rose Bengal Plate test was used to initially screen the serum samples, and the Complement Fixation test was utilized as a confirmatory test. RESULTS: Using combined RBPT and CFT tests, the overall seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis was 0.6% (95% CI: 0.16–2.09). Retained fetal membrane (OR = 32.74, p = 0.006), market-based stock replacement (OR = 16.55, p = 0.002), breeding method (OR = 7.58, p = 0.027), and late stage of abortion (OR = 14.74, p = 0.0002) are all significantly associated risk factors. CONCLUSION: The present seroprevalence study revealed that brucellosis is prevalent at a lower rate among dairy cattle in the study areas. However, there is a possible risk of brucellosis transmission in dairy cattle and the exposed human population in research locations because no control measures were put in place there. Implementing a test and slaughter method with compensation for farmers is advised due to the low prevalence of bovine brucellosis in government-owned and small-holder farms.