Monthly variations of the prevalence of bovine brucellosis in Benin

Abstract

A longitudinal study was conducted from February 2012 to January 2013 in Benin to determine monthly prevalence of bovine brucellosis. Five herds were sampled at a rate of two in the North (Gogounou and Okpara) and three in the South (Athiémé, Kpinnou and Ouidah). Twelve animals were selected and identified in each of these herds. Blood samples were collected every month from the animals and their sera were analyzed with Rose Bengal and indirect ELISA tests. Space-time analyses were performed with SaTScan ™ software and monthly seroprevalence was compared in pairs using Fisher Exact Test in R software. Overall, 105 animals were detected positive from the 626 analyzed samples. The prevalence differed significantly from one month to another between the North and the South (p < 0.05). Animals were 5.65 times more likely to be infected in the North, while in the South this risk was 4.72 times. The periods from October to December and August to September were those at risk in the North and South, respectively. This information alongside the identification of circulating Brucella strains can lead to the establishment of an effective vaccination strategy.