Seroprevalence Estimates of Brucellosis and Coxiellosis in Cattle, Sheep and Goats: Associated Risk Factors and Perception in Livestock Farmers in Nandi County, Kenya.

Abstract

Brucellosis and Coxiellosis are important zoonotic diseases that affect most domestic and wild animals including humans worldwide and have socioeconomic and public health implications. The design was across-sectional study and was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of these two closely related zoonoses namely brucellosis and coxiellosis in domestic ruminants in all the six sub counties of Nandi County. In addition, risk factors associated with the seroprevalence of the two diseases in animals were assessed as well as knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) towards these diseases. Total blood samples collected were 1,140 drawn from cattle 63.6 % (n=725), goats 11.6 % (n=132) and sheep 24.8 % (n=283). The samples were collected from 366 households across the county. A multistage sampling technique was used, where wards, herds and individual animal were randomly selected. Screening for Brucella antibodies was done using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and thereafter by indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (iELISA) for confirmation. Likewise, sera for Q- Fever analysis were subjected to iELISA. A total of 366 households were interviewed for KAPs assessment. Results confirmed low seroprevalence of brucella infection in domestic small ruminants in the County, but higher seroprevalence for coxiellosis. Overall seroprevalence in livestock was 0.088% (1/1140) and 5.614% (64/1140) for brucellosis and coxiellosis respectively. In cattle, seroprevalence of brucellosis was 0.138 % (1/725) and 0 % seropositivity in both goats and sheep on iELISA, despite, recording 0.414 %3/725), 3.180 % (9/283) and 1.515 % (2/132) on screening using RBPT in cattle, goats and sheep respectively. Seroprevalence estimates for coxiellosi on iELISA was 8.138% (59/725) for cattle, 1.413% (4/283) for sheep and 0.758% (1/132) for goats. Three important potential predictors were identified for seropositivity of brucellosis. These were

species (p-value <0.010, CI 95%), age (p-value 0.042, CI 95%) and breed (p-value 0.037, CI 95%). For Coxiellosis, the only significant predictor was animal species where P-value was 0.015, CI 95% and OR 7.260) in the three considered animal species for the presence of C. burnetii antibodies. The other variables (breed, sex, age and production system) had no statistically significant association for coxiellosi infection since p-value was > 0.05. Further, the study established livestock farmers in Nandi County were knowledgeable (60%) on brucellosis in animals but low in Coxiellosis (40%). In terms of perception, the participants had negative attitude towards both diseases by reporting 28.05% for brucellosis and 13.9% for coxiella. However, the farmers had good precautionary practices towards control and prevention of these two diseases as shown by 71.58% for brucellosis and 99.55% for coxiellosis. The data provided valuable information on the status of the two diseases in the Nandi County. It demonstrated presence of circulating brucella and coxiella antibodies in domestic ruminants which may pose s serious zoonoses among the inhabitants. There is therefore, need to sensitize and create awareness among stakeholders in order to minimize misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment of both animals and humans. From these findings, it was recommended that the County Veterinary services should make deliberate efforts to thoroughly investigate all reported cases of animal abortions, retain placenta, infertility in animals and integrate brucellosis and coxiellosis surveillance in their disease reporting systems. There was also urgent need for the creation of a County Zoonotic Disease Unit (ZDU) to provide a platform that enhances information sharing and joint control and prevention strategies between the Directors of veterinary and medical services under the one health concept.