Prevalence and risk factors of bovine brucellosis in Nsambya sub county, Kyankwanzi district

Abstract

The study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of bovine brucellosis in Nsambya sub-county, Kyankwanzi District. A total of 100 animals (cattle) were involved in the study to determine the prevalence and risk factors of bovine Bovine brucellosis. Bovine brucellosis causes heavy economic losses in livestock producers (Dieckhaus & Kyebambe, 2017). In Nsambya Sub-county, Kyankwanzi district it causes the same economic losses through reduction in milk production in aborting cows, increases the period between lactation and prolongs the inter-calving period and loss of calf drops that affects livestock sector, it results in culling of infertile cows and bulls hence resulting in economic loss (Alemu et al., 2014). Across sectional study was conducted among animals and farmers Nsambya sub county, Kyankwanzi district. Blood samples were collected from animals (cattle) and screened for Brucella using the Rose Bengal plate test and confirmed using serum Agglutination test. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the social demographic characteristic and risk factors associated with livestock and livestock holders. The overall prevalence of bovine Bovine brucellosis was 16% in the study in Nsambya sub-county, kyankwanzi district, the females exhibited a higher prevalence 71% than males 29% for Bovine brucellosis. Farmers who reported separation of mothers from the calves, their animals were 4.9 times more likely to contract Bovine brucellosis and the difference in occurrence of the diseases was statistically significant (p=0.014). Farmers who reported to have neighboring farms, their animals were 3.6 times more likely to contract Bovine brucellosis and the difference in the occurrence of the disease was statistically significant (p=0.049). The overall prevalence of bovine Bovine brucellosis was 16% in the study in Nsambya sub-county, kyankwanzi district. The females exhibited a higher prevalence 71% than males 29% for Bovine brucellosis this is probably because the farmers tend to keep more females than males. Awareness creation about the impact of the disease, the way of its transmission, risk factors, methods of prevention of the disease, and culling of the positive animals should be made. Proper hygienic and sanitation practices to reduce the risk of exposure to Bovine brucellosis like burying of aborted foetuses.