Caprine and Ovine Serological Evidence of Brucellosis in Five Districts of Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease that affects various animal species. Amongst different Brucella species, Brucella melitensis has the greater zoonotic aspect, hence, it is considered an occupational hazard for small ruminant handlers as well as Veterinarians. The present study reports the seroprevalence of brucellosis in different sheep and goat breeds in five districts of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 1239 serum samples were collected from male (n=73) and female (n=1166) different sheep (n = 865; Pak-Karakal, Thalli, Lohi, Kajli and non-descript type) and goat (n = 374; Teddy, Beetal and non-descript type) breeds of variable age groups (0 months to 4years). All the serum samples were analyzed using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and seropositive samples were further submitted to Serum Agglutination Test (SAT). The results revealed that the prevalence of brucellosis was higher (P<0.05) in goats than sheep, irrespective of test used. The serological prevalence of brucellosis differs significantly (P<0.05) among sheep and goat breeds, and Thalli sheep and Teddy goats had higher (P<0.05) seropositivity compared to the other sheep or goat breeds. The prevalence was relatively higher (P<0.05) in male animals than female animals, regardless of species. However, sheep or goat age groups did not influence (P>0.05) the brucellosis seroprevalence. Among seropositive animals, significantly greater (P<0.05) number of animals had previous history of abortion when tested either by RBPT or SAT. In conclusion, the current data provide baseline information about prevalence of brucellosis in different sheep and goat breeds in five districts of Punjab Pakistan.