Cross Sectional Study of Brucellosis in Cattle Slaughtered in Abattoirs within the Transit City of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Brucellosis is one of the most important zoonosis in the world; it is highly contagious and caused by a group of organisms in the genus Brucella. The disease remains endemic in Nigeria and its actual incidence and prevalence are unknown due to both inadequate surveillance and systems of reporting outbreaks. This study was designed to determine the sero-prevalence of bovine brucellosis in Ilorin, Kwara State, a gateway to states, and countries engaging in livestock trades within and around Nigeria. A total of 224 blood samples were randomly collected from cattle slaughtered at the two metropolitan abattoirs in the city. The study employed a combination of 2 serological techniques; the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and the Serum Agglutination Tube Test (SAT). Of the 224 cattle screened, 10.71% tested positive with Rose Bengal Antigen, while 11.16% tested positive for Serum Agglutination Tube Test (SATT). Prevalence was higher in cows (11.44%) than in bulls (8.69%). There was no significant relationship between the prevalence of bovine brucellosis and any of the variables examined. However, the overall prevalence (11.16%) observed in the study was significant. Thus, the need for drastic public health interventions/control measures on brucellosis in the livestock industry in Nigeria.