Brucella spp. infection in large ruminants in an endemic area of Egypt: cross-sectional study investigating seroprevalence, risk factors and livestock owner's knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs)

Abstract

Background: Brucellosis is regarded as one of the major zoonotic infections worldwide. It was first reported in Egypt in 1939 and is now endemic, the predominate species of Brucella in cattle and buffalo in Egypt is B. melitensis. The aim of the study was to estimate seroprevalence of Brucella spp. in cattle and buffalo reared in households in an Egyptian village, identify risk factors for animals testing seropositive and to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of livestock owners with regards to brucellosis.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a village in Menufiya Governorate of Egypt. In June and July 2009, 107 households were selected using systematic sample and all lactating cattle and buffalo present in the household were sampled and tested for antibodies against Brucella spp. In addition, a questionnaire collecting information on potential risk factors for Brucella spp. infection in cattle and buffalo was administered to the household member responsible for rearing the livestock. Between December 2009 and February 2010 households were revisited and a second questionnaire regarding KAPs associated with brucellosis was administered.

Results: True individual and household seroprevalence were estimated to be 11.0% (95% CI: 3.06% to 18.4%) and 15.5% (95% CI: 6.61% to 24.7%), respectively. Cattle and buffalo kept in a household with sheep and goats had 6.32 (95% CI: 1.44 to 27.9) times the odds of testing seropositive for Brucella spp., compared to cattle and buffalo that were not. Most participants in the study stated that livestock owners assist in the parturition of ruminants without wearing gloves and that some farmers sell animals which they suspect are Brucella infected to butchers or at market. Many participants made their livestock's milk into cheese and other dairy products without pasteurising it.

Conclusions: Brucellosis was endemic at high levels, in the current study. Although livestock owners had good general knowledge of brucellosis, they still appeared to participate in high-risk behaviours, which may contribute to the high seroprevalence in the area. Veterinarians, public health authorities and other community leaders need to collaborate to control the disease in animals and to manage the risk of human exposure.

Figure 1

Participant's opinions regarding routes of infection of humans with Brucella spp. Where 1 is physical contact with infected animals, 2 is assisting in the parturition of infected animals, 3 is contact with foetuses or foetal membranes of infected animals, 4 is drinking raw milk from infected animals, 5 is consuming cheese made from milk of infected animals, 6 is consuming meat from infected animals and 7 is contact with infected people.

Figure 2

Participant's opinions regarding management of Brucella suspected/infected large ruminants by most farmers. Where 1 is ask the local veterinarian for advice, 2 is buy a vaccine or treatment, 3 is sell the animal to their neighbour, 4 is sell the animal at market and 5 is sell the animal to the butcher.

Figure 3

Results from the interviews with livestock owners regarding management of different species which have aborted. Results from the interviews with livestock owners in the village regarding the management of abortions in different ruminant species.