Abstract:
The aim of our study was to determine the association of selected potential risk factors
with the presence of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) in dairy herds in Eritrea. A case–control
study was conducted in the three major milk-producing regions of the country by stratified
random sampling of 61 case and 65 control herds combined with completion of a
standardized pretested questionnaire pertaining 36 relevant risk factors (variables). The
variables were divided into two clusters, based on potential association with either “introduction”
or “establishment” of BTB on the farms to elucidate association with incident
or prevalent cases separately. Subsequent to univariable analysis of the 36 risk
factors at herd level, 14 of these were offered to multivariable logistic regression models.
Farms with higher numbers of cows, and those with concrete floors, were 3.6, and
7.5 times more at risk for presence of BTB, respectively, compared with their references.
These findings will be useful as entry points for future informed decision-making
towards BTB control and eradication programme in the country.
