Estimates of Brucellosis Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors in Goats in Nugaal Region Puntland State of Somalia

Abstract

Brucellosis is a disease of pastoral areas where it causes devastating negative effects on pastoralists livelihoods. Control efforts have been unable to bring the disease to manageable levels. The objectives of the current research were in to assess the brucella seroprevalence organism in goats in the Nugaal area of Puntland state of Somalia, and to evaluate the potential risk elements for the identification of the disease organisms in goats in Nugaal region of Puntland. The three selected districts, 3 sub-districts from each were selected randomly to compose a total of nine districts. Then families were randomly selected using compiled lists and data were collected through administration systemically to household heads, via personal interviews. Herds were visited systemically until the required number of 182 goats was achieved. Goats to be bled were selected as they entered the Kraal. Information collected included herd size, age of goats and sex, production system, water sources and knowledge of brucellosis by the herders. The determination of antibodies to brucella spp. was by the Rose Bengal Plate Test. The logistic regression (Univariate and Multivariate) models were used to assess the risk factors for testing positive to brucella organisms. Brucellosis seroprevalence was in the study area. The brucellosis seroprevalence was an equivalent to an overall seroprevalence of 7.7%. In the univariate analysis four factors were used as guides for the study organisms including, sex of goats (OR=4.22 for females), production system (OR=2.03 for extensive system), breeding system (OR=0.23 for using own bucks) and handling of aborted fetuses (OR=13.73 for separated aborted fetus). Some of the variables very positively associated, for example handling aborted fetuses with an OR (odds ratio) of 14 impalying that in households where aborted fetuses were handled careless were 14times to have goats testing positive to brucella relative to those where aborted fetuses are not handled reckless. Breeding system was however negatively associated with testing xv positive to brucella with an OR=0.23 indicating that brucellosis that used own buck were 4.3(1/0.23) times less likely to have goats testing positive according to individuals that used community bucks. The other variables have similar interoperation. All the four variables retained their significance but the strength of association increased. For example, the OR for handling of aborted fetuses increased from an OR=13.73 to an OR=18 in the multivariate analysis. This was an indication of confounding by either some un measured or measured factors. Three factors were positively associated with brucellosis seropositivity in goats including sex of female goats (OR =5.5) production system, (extensive OR=8.0) and management of abortion in the herd (throwing the birthing material OR=19). The use of own bucks for breeding was negatively associated with brucellosis seropositivity. Indeed, herders who only used their own buck for breeding had an OR=0.223 indicating that they were 4.5(1/0.223) less likely to have goats in their herds testing positive to brucella organisms relative to those who used community bucks for breeding. In conclusion, this study has identified presence of brucellosis in Nugaal region of Puntland. The identified for risk factors for testing positive to brucella organisms can be for control purposes. For example, avoiding mixing of herds, use of own buck, and proper handling of aborted fetuses. To this, education of the pastoralists would be key. The cooperation sympathy and participation of the pastoralists would be paramount for success of the control programs.