Seroprevalence of Brucella abortus in the Bamenda Municipal Abattoir of the Western Highlands, of Cameroon

Abstract

Brucellosis is one of the most notorious and widespread zoonosis caused by Brucella abortus. It is of serious economic implications to the cattle industry and thus enormous financial losses to most countries. This study focused on it serological prevalence at the Nkwen main abattoir of Bamenda (Northwest region, Cameroon) from June to September 2013. Blood samples were collected from 198 cattle and the sera were screened using the competitive enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (C-ELISA). Results showed a seroprevalence of 4.04% in the cattle population screened. A percentage of 4.40% of the 111 bulls and 3.45% of the 87 cows were recorded as infected. There was no evidence (P>0.05) of differences in sex on the seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle. There was no association between brucella infection and age (P>0.05). About three percent of cattle were positive for those within (<5) age group with 5(4.67%) for those above 5 years of age. The two breeds commonly consumed in the area the Red and White Fulanie with the Red Fulani having a higher infection than the White Fulani (P<0.05). The study also showed that Brucella infection was dependent on location as 5 out of the 15 villages accounting for 100% infection namely: Fundong (37.5%), Wum (25%), Nso (Jakiri) (12.5%), Metah (12.5%) and Fonta (12.5%). From these results it was concluded that brucellosis is present in the population of cattle screened. There is therefore the need for good control measures and sanitary conditions to limit the spread of the disease.