Study on Sero-Prevalence of Small Ruminant and Human Brucellosis in Yabello and Dire Districts of Borena Zone Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Cross-sectional study was conducted in Yabello and Dire districts of Borena zone Oromia regional state, Ethiopia to estimate sero-prevalence of small ruminant and human Brucellosis. Sero-survey was applied to the target population of 228 small ruminants and 86 humans. The sera samples were collected from small ruminants (sheep and goats) and humans for serological analysis of brucellosis. Samples were serially tested by RBPT and positive samples were finally confirmed by c-ELISA. The overall sero-prevalence of brucellosis were 8.8% (95% CI: 5.4-13.2) and 25.6% (95% CI: 16.8-36.1) in small ruminants and humans respectively. There was a statistically significant variation in Brucella infection (p<0.05) in humans. The higher prevalence recorded in elders. The highest recorded in small ruminant sampled from large flock size and ewes with a retained fetal membrane. These results provide evidence of the importance of brucellosis in humans and small ruminants in the study area. Overall, the existence of brucellosis, community daily practice and uncontrolled movement of animals and livelihood nature of pastoralists suggest the need for farther investigation of brucellosis in humans and animals. Furthermore, awareness creation or public health education on zoonotic importance of brucellosis and prevention techniques should be imparted continuously in pastoral communities.