Sero-prevalence of brucellosis in sheep in North Senatorial District of Kaduna State, Nigeria

ObjectiveTo determine the current status of Brucella antibodies in sheep in Kaduna North Senatorial District of Kaduna State, Nigeria.MethodsA total of 579 serum samples were collected (114 rams and 465 ewes) and analysed using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), serum agglutination test with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (SAT-EDTA) and lateral flow assay (LFA).ResultsThe prevalence of Brucella antibodies was found to be 26.5%, 11.1% and 2.4% using RBPT, SAT-EDTA and LFA respectively. The prevalence was 22.8%, 7.9%, 1.8% and 27.5%, 12.7% and 3.0% for the males and females using RBPT, SAT-EDTA and LFA, respectively. The prevalence rate for animals of less than 1 year of age was 23.8%, 14.3% and 9.5% for RBPT, SAT-EDTA and LFA, respectively, the corresponding prevalence rate for animals within the age bracket of 1 to 3 years was 26.7%, 11.2% and 1.4%, using RBPT, SAT-EDTA and LFA, respectively. Seroprevalence for animals above 3 years old were 24.7%, 12.4% and 3.5%, respectively.ConclusionsIt is evident that sheep in the study area are infected with Brucella spp., including Brucella melitensis in view of the LFA positivity. This is of public health significance.