Abstract:
BACKGROUND : Brucellosis, a neglected tropical food-borne zoonotic disease, has a negative impact on both animal
and human health as well as tremendous socio-economic impact in developing countries where rural income relies
largely on livestock breeding and dairy products. It is endemic in the animal population in Nigeria and is a recognized
occupational hazard. This work was done to establish the sero-prevalence and predisposing factors of food animals in
Abuja, Nigeria to Brucella infection.
RESULTS : Of 376 cattle, 203 sheep and 260 goats screened, 21 (5.6%); 19 (9.4%); 51 (19.6%) were positive, respectively
for brucellosis with Rose Bengal Plate Test, and 2 (0.5%); 4 (2.0%); 10 (3.8%), respectively with c-ELISA. The likelihood
of acquiring Brucella infection was higher among the Red Sokoto breed of goats compared to other breeds of goats
(p = 0.05).
CONCLUSION : This study showed that the prevalence of Brucella infection was low in food animals slaughtered at
abattoirs in Abuja. However, of all animals screened, seropositivity to Brucella infection was highest in goats with Red
Sokoto breed of goats more likely to acquire the disease when compared to other breeds.
