Seroprevalence survey of Chlamydophila abortus infection in breeding goats on commercial farms in northern Namibia

Abstract

A total of 1076 sera from breeding goats were randomly collected from 24 different farms and tested with CHEKIT®-ELISA (Dr. Bommeli AG-IDEXX, Switzerland) for antibodies against Chlamydophila abortus. The farms were divided into two categories of 12 farms each, depending on their level of observed abortions over the previous 12 months: those with insignificant (<5 %) levels of abortions and those with significant (≥5 %) levels of abortions. The farmers were also interviewed on their level of awareness about chlamydophilosis and whether or not they were doing regular preventive vaccination against the disease. The study determined the seroprevalence levels of 25% at farm level and 8 % at individual animal level (at 95% confidence level). A total of 6 out of 24 farms had at least one positive breeding animal. Only 5 out of the 24 (20.8%) farmers interviewed were aware of chlamydophilosis and its zoonotic dangers. None of the 24 farmers interviewed practised any vaccination against chlamydophilosis. There was a significantly higher number of seropositive animals from farms with significant levels of abortions compared to those animals from farms with insignificant levels of abortions (P=0.0000). The study underscored the need for more farmer awareness and training on chlamydophilosis and its zoonotic dangers.