Estimates Of The Seroprevelance And The Associated Risk Factors Of Brucellosis In Sheep And Goats In Benadir Region Of Somalia

Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted from September 2017 to June 2018 to estimate the seroprevelance of brucellosis in sheep and goats and determine the associated risk factors in Benadir region of Somalia. A total of 400 sheep and goats over a half year of age with no past history of vaccination against brucellosis were systematically sampled until the required sample size was achieved. Serum samples were collected and tested using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(C-ELISA) for brucella antibodies. A total of 18 out of 400 serum samples tested positive for brucella antibodies equivalent to an overall seroprevelance of 4.5%. The seroprevelance was higher in goats (4.9%) than in sheep (3.6%). This difference was not statistically significant. Similarly, the seroprevelance was slightly higher in males (5.4%) than in females (4.2%). The difference was not statistically significant. There were no differences in seroprevelance according to the sampling sites (Sub-districts). The risk factors identified for testing positive to brucella antibodies in both univariate and multivariate analysis were production system and source of replacement sheep and goats. Sheep and goats on extensive production system were 1.4 times (OR: 1.4) more likely to test positive to brucellosis antibodies relative to those on semi intensive production system. Similarly households that sourced replacement stock from outside their herds were 1.2 times (OR: 1.2) more likely to have animals in their herds testing positive. There was no evidence of confounding in this study. xii In conclusion, this study has established the endemic status of brucellosis in the Benadir region of Somalia. There is a need to institute control measures of brucellosis in the region through vaccination, conducting regular sero-surveys and those animals that test positive removed from the herd. To avoid human exposure to brucella, sound educational programmes on proper disposal of aborted fetuses and membranes, and avoiding assisting animals giving births would be essential.