Sero-prevalence of brucellosis in cattle in Mafubira subcounty, Jinja district.

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mafubira sub-county, Jinja district to assess the sero prevalence and the distribution of Brucellosis basing on sex, breed's and age and the risk factors, for brucella sero-positivity in cattle. Blood samples of 164 cattle were randomly collected from 4 parishes and questionnaires administered to 81 cattle owners to determine the risk factors through face to. face interviews, personal visits and observation. After collection, samples were transported in ice packs to Mbale Veterinary Diagnostic laboratory for screening using the Rose Bengal Plate Test. The collected data was analysed using SPSS version 16 and the results presented using pie charts; graphs and tables; The sera-prevalence studies revealed the overall sero-prevalence of brucellosis in cattle in Mafubira sub-county to be 9.8%. The study also revealed that -cows (10.7%) had a higher prevalence than the bulls (6.1%) hence no-significant relationship between the' prevalence and sex, age. and breeds of the tested cattle. Three major risk factors were identified as mixing of infected animals in a health herd ((57;9%), sharing of pastures (42%) and watering points (40.7%). It can therefore be recommended that vaccination campaigns, especially of large free-grazing herds. in the study area and Jinja as a whole can significantly reduce the prevalence of brucellosis in cattle and reduce the risk of transmission to humans. The authorities-should institute preventive and control measures in order to reduce on this high prevalence.