Prevalence of <i>Brucella abortus</i> in Cattle in the Njala and Newton Ranches of Sierra Leone Using Serological Analysis

Abstract

Brucellosis disease is problematic in early abortion in herds, reduces the economic value of farm animals, reduces milk production and limits the breeding efficiency of cattle. A study was conducted to determine and compare the prevalence of antibodies against Brucella abortus in cattle under same husbandry practices at the Njala University, Njala campus and the Newton cattle holding ranches. A total of 80 cattle was randomly sampled and screened for the presence of B. abortus utilizing the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT). Results indicated that the general seroprevalence was 57.5% in Njala University cattle ranch and 92.5% Newton cattle ranch. The prevalence of infection increased with the age of animals i.e. from 3.75% to 47.5% (22.5%) in age groups <3yrs to 3-5yrs (5-8yrs), respectively. The female animals were more infected (52.5%) than the males (22.5%). The disease was more prevalent among different age groups and sexes in Newton cattle ranch than in Njala University. Findings showed no significant difference between the prevalence of B. abortus in the cattle of Njala University and Newton cattle ranches. The prevalence of brucellosis was however enzootic at the two studied sites. This study is relevant for policy makers, researchers, ministry of agriculture and the public for the promotion of regular testing of cattle and utilizing appropriate mitigation strategies to minimize the risk of the brucellosis disease.

The Socio-Economic Impact of Brucellosis Outbreaks among Large and Small Ruminant under Extensive Nomadic Management System in Sierra Leone

“…Furthermore, communal grazing also provides opportunities for Brucellosis is a prioritized zoonotic disease in Sierra Leone. Its first detection in the country dates back to 1966 [6,7], but official reports of outbreaks were not made until 2020, when cases were identified in the Koinadugu and Falaba districts. During the 2020 outbreaks, the estimated prevalence of Brucellosis among goats and sheep in these districts was 38.3% for goats and 33.3% for sheep.…”

“…The results revealed a high sero-prevalence (90%) among females (n = 135) aged 1-2 years, with a prevalence of 10% (n = 15) among heifers. Out of the 150 confirmed cases, 66% were pregnant, and 25% resulted in abortions [7]. Additionally, 50 cattle imported from neighboring Guinea succumbed to the disease before testing, indicating the potential for transboundary introduction of the disease in the sub-region.…”