Epidemiological Study of Bovine Brucellosis in Western Equatoria State, Republic of South Sudan

Abstract

A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out from March to July 2013, to determine the prevalence and identify risk factors for seropositivity of bovine brucellosis in cattle camps in Western Equatoria State. The study population was indigenous breeds and the samples were selected by multistage random sampling method. One hundred and sixty six serum samples from 20 cattle herds located in different counties within the Western Equatoria State were screened for brucellosis using Rose Bengal Plate Test . Bovine brucellosis was detected in three counties out of four counties in the State, and out of 20 herds studied, 5 were seropositive by RBPT. The overall brucellosis herd prevalence (HP) was 25%. Within herd prevalence ranged between 0%- 50%. Out of a total of 166 serum sample tested, 21 reacted positive for brucellosis using the Rose Bengal Plate Test. Hence, the individual animal prevalence was 12.7%. More information was gathered on individual animal and farm level, risk factors and other farm characteristics using a questionnaire. The results of the univariate Chi -square analysis revealed that seropositivity to brucellosis was significantly higher in animals which are in large herd , had aborted, had not given birth, with good body condition and without hygienic disposal of foetal material (p˂0.25). However, in multivariate logistic regression analysis, no risk factors were found statistically significant with brucellosis. The results of this study showed that brucellosis is an endemic and widely distributed disease in Western Equatoria State.