Seroprevalence of brucellosis and Q-fever among cattle in high risk herds in the Bethlehem area, Free State, South Africa

Abstract

Foetal loss can be devastating to a cattle farmer. In the Free State province many commercial cattle farms contend with foetal loss due to abortion. The causes of most of these abortions are never diagnosed because of inappropriate samples submitted; diagnostics being too expensive or non-submission of samples due to ignorance. The aim of this study was to investigate the apparent seroprevalence of Brucella species and Coxiella burnetii in commercial cattle of five epidemiological units. The overall apparent seroprevalence in this study was 22% and 11% respectively for Brucella species and Coxiella burnetii antibodies. Although the presence of antibodies does not lead to a definitive diagnosis, it is now known that there are bacterial challenges in these commercial cattle, and this could form the basis of future studies. Improved education of the public as well as communication with the human health sector is necessary to effectively control brucellosis and Q-fever.