Prevalence Of Bovine Brucellosis In Smallholder Dairy Farms In Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

A cross sectional study was conducted to determine prevalence of bovine brucellosis in smallholder dairy farms in Morogoro Municipality. Milk and blood samples collected from 450 dairy cows in thirteen wards of Morogoro Municipality were examined for Brucella antibodies‟ using the Milk Ring Test as an initial screening test followed by Competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay was used as a confirmatory test. Questionnaires were also administered to 135 respondents to assess possible factors associated with transmission of brucellosis from cattle to human. Overall, 29.3% (95%CI: 25.2-33.8%) of milk samples tested positive according to MRT while 18.4% (95% CI) of the serum samples tested positive according to c-ELISA. Analysis of factors associated with occurrence of brucellosis by single table analysis showed that abortion (p=0.000) and herd size (p=0.049) were statistically significant. From this study there is evidence that brucellosis is prevalent and locally distributed in Morogoro Municipality. The study concluded by recommending, further studies, surveillance and institution of preventive and control measures like mass vaccination using S19 vaccine to be undertaken. Furthermore, public health education and formulation of by laws concerning testing of animals and animal products as well as culling of positive tested animals.