Brucellosis is one of the infectious disease that most affects sheep and goats productivity. Ethiopia is home to a significant number of animals, but it has not fully capitalized on the potential of small ruminant production. This underperformance is due to several factors, including poor genetic quality, inadequate management practices, and major challenges related to diseases. These issues pose significant barriers to achieving economic returns from small ruminant production. Additionally, farmers often develop a strong attachment to their animals, making it crucial to assess the status of zoonotic diseases, such as brucellosissis. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants and its related risk factors from February to May 2023 in Wemberima and North Mecha districts of the Amhara Region. A total of 600 sera were collected from ten purposively selected villages of the two districts (Goat, n=355 and Ovine, n = 245) and screened using RBT for the evidence of antibodies against brucellosis and confirmed by Complement Fixation Test (CFT). The study revealed an overall 3% (95% CI: 1.48-26.69) sero-prevalence of ruminant brucellosis. Species were significantly associated risk factors with Brucella seropositivity (P < 0.05) in this study. Hence, the odds of being sero-positive to Brucella was found to be 6.11 (OR=6.11; 95% CI: 1.48- 26.69) times higher in Ovine than in Caprine. All other risk variables had no significant effect (P > 0.05).
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Brucellosis, Small Ruminant, Seroprevalence, West Gojam, Ethiopia
1. Introduction
Goats and sheep are major domestic animals in African tropical livestock production systems, accounting for 21% of the global small ruminant population
[3]
Dosa, D., Mohammed, N. & Mathewos, M. (2023): Study on small ruminant brucellosis and owners awareness in two selected districts of southern region, Ethiopia. Veterinary Medicine and Science. 9(9): 907-16.
[3]
. Ethiopia is one of the sub-Saharan African countries, of the largest animal and second largest human population, with 31.30 million sheep and 32.74 million goats primarily raised in the country’s lowland and pastoral regions
[5]
Geletu U S., Usmael M A, Mummed Y Y. (2021): Sero-prevalence and Risk Factors of Small Ruminant Brucellosis in West Hararghe Zone of Oromia Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia", Veterinary Medicine International. 2021: 7.
[5]
. These small ruminants due to their high short generation cycles and great ability to adapt to various environmental conditions make them valuable animal production and represents an important export commodity that significantly contributes to the livelihood and national economy of rural farmers as a source of food (milk and meat), wool, skins, source of income, and monetary asset, especially in pastoral and lowland areas of the country while reproductive diseases like brucellosis inhibit their productivity
[19]
Seleem M N, Boyle S M, Sriranganathan N. Brucellosis. (2010): A Re Emerging Zoonosis. Veterinary Microbiology. 140: 392-98.
[19]
. Brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by a bacterium of the genus Brucella, common to certain animals, both domestic and wild, and to humans. Historically, this disease is known as Malta fever or melitococcal disease. The causative agent was isolated in 1887 on the Island of Malta by David Bruce. Its extension is worldwide with predominance in developing countries
[7]
Girmay. A, Hussien, D, and. Afera. B. (2013): “Seroprevalence of ovine brucellosis in a sheep export farm, Ethiopia,” Global Veterinaria. 11: 325-28.
[8]
Kebkiba, B. (2021). Epidemiology of Brucellosis in Small Ruminants. Open Access Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology, 6(3), 1-5.
The main clinical signs of brucellosis in small ruminants are abortion, retained placenta, stillbirth, orchitis and arthritis. Infected animals, milk and dairy products are the sources of infection in humans. B. melitensis, B. abortus and B. suis are the most important species in terms of public health and economy. Pigs are the source of almost all human contaminations. B. melitensis, the species most frequently implicated in human pathology, is largely predominant in sheep and goats. This organism contains three biovars and all of them can cause disease in small ruminants
[18]
Olsen S C, Garin Bastuji B, Blasco J M, Nicola A M, Samartino L, et al. (2012): Diseases of Swine. 10th ed. Hokoben: Wiley-Blackwell. 697-708.
[4]
Hailu A, Feleke A, Adugna W, Keskes S. (2016): mall ruminant brucellosis and public health awareness in two districts of a far region, Ethiopia. Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology. 7: 335.
B. Melitensis and B. Ovis are the common infective agents of small ruminants characterized by reproductive problems, abortion, still breathing and infertility
[15]
(OIE, 2015): Caprine and Ovine Brucellosis (Excluding Brucella Ovis Infection). Manual of Standard for Diagnostic Test and Vaccine. 4th ed. Paris. 475-89.
[17]
Omer M K, Asfaw T, Skjerve E, Teklegiorgis T, Woldehiwot Z. (2002): Prevalence of antibodies to Brucella spp and risk factors related to high risk occupational groups in Eritrea. Epidemiol Infect. 129: 85-91.
[15, 17]
. Ethiopia is a large country with a huge livestock population, and previously published work has only described sero- prevalence for specific areas and not the whole country
[3]
Dosa, D., Mohammed, N. & Mathewos, M. (2023): Study on small ruminant brucellosis and owners awareness in two selected districts of southern region, Ethiopia. Veterinary Medicine and Science. 9(9): 907-16.
[3]
. Furthermore, no published research work on small ruminant brucellosis was found in the current study area. Therefore, this study was initiated to investigate the seroprevalence and the associated risk factors of small ruminant brucellosis in Wemberima and North Mecha districts.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Description of the Study Areas
The study was undertaken in the Amara regional state in Wemberima and North Mecha districts from February to May 2023. The region located in the north Western and north central parts of Ethiopia, between 9°20' and 14°20' North and 36° 20' and 40° 20' east. The area coverage of the region is 170,752 km2. It divided into 11 zones, and about 169 districts
[2]
BoARD (Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development).(2020): Agricultural Sample Survey. Report on Livestock and Livestock CharacteristicsVol. II. Retrieved February, 2020. Addis Ababa.
[2]
.
2.2. Study Populations
The indigenous sheep and goats raised in the extensive production system in the West Gojam zone of Wemberima and North Mech districts were the subject of this study. Sheep and goats six months of age and older were included in the study, along with both sexes from the chosen flock who had never received a brucellosis vaccination. Documentation was provided about potential risk factors, such as the animal's origins, species, sex category, parity, and reproductive health issues.
2.3. Study Design and Methods
Across-sectional study was conducted to estimate prevalence of small ruminants’ brucellosis and to identify associated risk factors. Purposive sampling technique was used to select districts and peasant associations (Kebeles) based on small ruminant population densities and accessibility for transportation while collecting the required sera sample simple random sampling strategy was used. 60 animals from ten selected villages were included in this study therefore a total of 600 animals were sampled for this study purpose. Designed questionnaire targeted on different variables such as sex, age, parity, abortion history, herd size was presented to owners to assess associated risk factors.
2.4. Sample Size Determination
Using an internationally accepted standard formula, the total sample size was calculated
[13]
Thrusfield, M. (2007): Sample size Determination. In: Veterinary Epidemiology. 3rd Ed. UK: Black well Science Ltd. pp. 185-9.
[13]
. To determine the maximum sample size, a 95% confidence level at 5% absolute precision and a 50% predicted occurrence were used in the sample size calculation.
n=[1.962×Pexp(1-Pexp)]/d2
Where n = required sample size, d = desired absolute precision, P = expected prevalence (50%) by substituting the value, the minimal sample sizes of 384 small ruminants were found. A design effect of 2 was taken into consideration in order to account for intra-class correlation at the herd, village, and district levels. This resulted in a minimum sample size of 600 animals were calculated of which 355 were sheep while the rest 245 goats were sampled to investigate prevalence rate of small ruminant brucellosis.
2.5. Sample Collection and Laboratory Analysis
Approximately 5-7mL of blood was collected from the jugular vein of each animal using sterile needles and plain vacutainer tubes. The tubes were individually labeled, stored on ice in an icebox, and transported to the Animal Health Institute (), Sebeta. To enable serum separation, the samples were left to stand for the overnight. After centrifugation for 10 minutes at 1500rpm, the sera were separated. Sera were harvested into Cryo-vials without mixing with clotted blood using a micropipette and stored at 20°C until Processed. Antibodies against Brucella infection in the herd was screened using Modified Rose Bengal Plate Test according to the OIE protocol
[16]
(OIE, 2016): Terrestrial Manual. Brucellosis Infection, Adopted by the World Assembly of Delegates of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE). 2: 1-14.
[16]
. In brief, 75 Sera samples and 25 Brucella antigen strain 99 obtained from (ID.vet, -RB-016, 0112 GB, 310, rue Louis Pasteur- Grable's- FRANCE) were mixed onto 12 wells glass slid white plate using an applicator stick and rocked for about 4 minutes. Visible agglutination were considered as +, ++, +++ for positive samples and no agglutinations at 4 minutes were interpreted as negative
[16]
(OIE, 2016): Terrestrial Manual. Brucellosis Infection, Adopted by the World Assembly of Delegates of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE). 2: 1-14.
[16]
. The complement fixation test (CFT) is regarded as being the confirmatory test for the serological detection of Brucella infection in animals (IOE, 2016). Is a blood test that can determine the presence of antigen specific antibodies by incubating patient serum with a defined amount of antigen and complement Animals are considered positive if tested positive on both RBPT and CFT.
2.6. Data Management and Analysis
The data gathered from the questionnaire and laboratory test was entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The necessary statistical analysis was performed using STATA/IC 13 after coding and editing (2013, College Station). Descriptive statistics were used to ascertain both the dependent and independent variables' frequency and proportion. To determine whether there was a significant difference between the expected outcome (brucellosis) and the independent factors (species, sex, age, parity, abortion, and origin of animals), the χ2 test was also used. Using univariate logistic regression analysis, the different possible risk factors were evaluated for their association with the seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants. To measure strength of the associations and to calculate the odds ratio logistic regression analysis was applied.
3. Result
3.1. Sero-prevalence of Small Ruminant Brucellosis
The overall sero-prevalence of brucellosis in the study area was 3% (19/600) using complement fixation test (CFT). The prevalence of brucellosis as detected using the RBPT and CFT for each species was presented in Table 1. The sero- prevalence of Brucella infection in sheep (4.8%) was greater than in goats (0.8%) and has shown a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). The higher prevalence was recorded in Ovine (4.8%, 17/355) as compared to caprine (0.8%, 2/245) Table 1.
Table 1. Sero-prevalence of small ruminant brucellosis by species of animal.
S/N
Species
No of sampled Animals
Sero-positivity rate
RBT
CFT
1
Ovine
355
40 (11.2%)
17 (4.8%)
2
Caprine
245
2 (0.8%)
2 (0.8%)
3
Total
600
42 (7%)
19 (3%)
3.2. Association of Risk Factors with Sero-prevalence and Logistic Regression Analysis
The chi-square (χ2) was applied to determine the existence of association between sero-positivity and potential risk factors. To measure the strength of associations and to calculate the odds ratio logistic regression analysis was applied. Confidence interval (CI) of 95% and 5% cut-off value was established for significance. P value of < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Species had a statistically significant association with Brucella sero-positivity (p < 0.05). Ovine had 6.11 times more likely to contract brucellosis as compared to Caprine with (P = 0.006) in this study. Animals with Parity have 0.952 times likely to infected than those without Parity and animals with abortion history has 5.32 times more likely to be seropositive for brucellosis than those without such history (OR =5.32, 95% CI = 0.608-46.553). Distribution of the disease by district was higher in N/Mecha than Wemberma but all these were not statistically significant (Table 2).
Table 2. Potential risk factors association with brucellosis in small ruminants.
S/N
Variable
Categorie
No of sampled animals
Positivity rate
CRUDE OR
P value
χ2
[95% Cl]
1
Species
Ovine
355
17 (4.8%)
6.11
0.006
7.4597
1.48-26.69
Caprine
245
2 (0.8%)
2
Sex
Male
69
2 (3.6%)
0.903
0.9
0.0183
0.204-3.99
Female
531
17 (3.6%)
3
Parity
Yes
504
15 (3%)
0.952
0.93
0.0059
0.271-3.335
No
27
1 (3.7%)
4
Abortion history
Yes
7
1 (14.3%)
5.32
0.091
2.8556
0.608-46.553
No
524
16 (3%)
5
District
Wemberma
300
7 (2.3%)
0.573
0.244
1.3588
0.222-1.477
N/Mecha
300
12 (4%)
4. Discussion
Out of 600 (355 sheep and 245 gats) sera samples tested for small ruminant brucellosis in the North Mecha and Wenbrima districts, 42 (7%) tested positive on the RBPT, and 19 (3%) tested positive for CFT for brucellosis. The overall sero-prevalence of brucellosis in the study area was 3% (95% CI: 1.48-26.69) in line with previous reports of 3.5%
[11]
Teklue T, Tolosa T, Tuli G, Beyene B, Hailu B. (2013): Seroprevalence and risk factors study of brucellosis in small ruminants in Southern Zone of Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia. Trop. Anim. Health Prod. 45: 1809-15.
[11]
, 3.3%
[10]
Sintayehu G, Melesse B, Abayneh A D, Sintayehu A, Melaku S, et al. (2015): Epidemiological survey of brucellosis in sheep and goats in selected pastoral and agro-pastoral lowlands of Ethiopia. Rev Sci Tech Off mnt Epiz: 34(3).
[10]
, and 3.3%
[3]
Dosa, D., Mohammed, N. & Mathewos, M. (2023): Study on small ruminant brucellosis and owners awareness in two selected districts of southern region, Ethiopia. Veterinary Medicine and Science. 9(9): 907-16.
[3]
in different parts of the country. Conversely, low prevalence of 0.9%
[6]
Gemechu, R. (2017): Brucellosis and Its Control through One Health Approaches in Ethiopia. 4, 3-6.
[6]
, 0.7%
[12]
Tewodros A E, Dawit A A. (2015): Sero-Prevalence of Small Ruminant Brucellosis in and around Kombolcha, Amhara Regional State, North-Eastern Ethiopia. J. Vet. Sci. Med. Diagn.. 4(5).
[12]
, 1.76%
[14]
Tsegay A, Tuli G, Kassa T, Kebede N. (2015): Sero prevalence and risk factors of Brucellosis in small ruminants slaughtered at DebreZiet and Modjo export abattoirs, Ethiopia. J. Infect. Dev. Ctries. 9(4): 373-80.
[14]
, 1.79%
[9]
Kelkay, G Gugsa, Y Hagos, and H Taddelle. (2017): Sero-prevalence and associated risk factors for Brucella sero-positivity among small ruminants in Tselemti districts, Northern Ethiopia. Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health. 9(11): 320-26.
[9]
, 1.5%
[1]
Adugna W, Tesfaye S T, Simenew K. (2013): Sero-prevalence of small ruminant’s brucellosis in four districts of Afar National Regional State, Northeast Ethiopia. J. Vet. Med. Anim. Health: 5(12): 358-64.
[1]
and 0.24%
[5]
Geletu U S., Usmael M A, Mummed Y Y. (2021): Sero-prevalence and Risk Factors of Small Ruminant Brucellosis in West Hararghe Zone of Oromia Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia", Veterinary Medicine International. 2021: 7.
[5]
was recorded. In different parts of Ethiopia higher prevalence of the disease was also recorded. Both sexes of animals have equal chances of acquiring infection (3.6%). but statistically, had no significant effect. This finding contradicts previous research, which may be due to different factors. The species of the animals had a significant effect on sero-positivity (P < 0.05). In this study, the odds of being sero-positive for Brucella were found to be 6.11 times higher in sheep (OR = 6.11, 95% CI = (1.48, 26.69)) compared to goats. This finding contradicts previous research works, which may be due to different factors
[20]
Yesuf M., Alemu S., Temesge W., Mazengia H, and Negussie H. (2011): “Seroprevalence of ovine brucellosis in south Wollo, North Eastern Ethiopia,” East African Journal of Public Health, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 58-60.
[20].
On Pearson’s Chi square test X2) analysis as indicated in (Table 2), there was no statistically significant association (P>0.05) between prevalence of brucellosis and the risk factors such as sex, parity, abortion history and district.
5. Conclusion and Recommendations
This study revealed a high seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep as compared to goats in North Mecha than Wemberma districts. Extensive farming system in the study area were found to be at high risk of acquiring Brucella infection because of customs surrounding the consumption of raw milk, traditional animal husbandry, the practice of handling animals with reproductive difficulties with their bare hands, and a lack of knowledge regarding the zoonotic nature of the disease. And also mixing herds with free grazing is commonly practiced in the extensive production system which facilitates disease dissemination and subsequent cross transmissions of brucellosis among species of animals. Therefore, it is advised in the research areas to implement suitable control measures in the smallholder production system and to improve management systems. It is necessary to conduct more epidemiological studies in addition to identifying and isolating the Brucella biotype that is causing the infection.
Abbreviations
AHI
Animal Health Institute
CFT
Complement Fixation Test
LFSDP
Livestock & Fisheries Sector Development Project
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to express recognition to Animal Health Institute (AHI) and Livestock & Fisheries Sector Development Project (LFSDP) for their support. Likewise, the authors would like to express honest gratitude to Wemberima and North Mecha district livestock owners and district animal health staff for their cooperation during sample collection.
Availability of Data and Materials
Due to the confidentiality agreements made, the datasets generated and/or analyzed during the study are not publicly available but could be accessible from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate
The current study involved only animal samples, it did not involve human participants. Informed consent was obtained from the herd owners to take samples from their animals which were documented. Confidentiality of data obtained and the scientific morality was considered.
Funding
This research work was financially supported by Animal Health Institute (AHI) and Livestock & Fisheries Sector Development Project (LFSDP).
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
References
[1]
Adugna W, Tesfaye S T, Simenew K. (2013): Sero-prevalence of small ruminant’s brucellosis in four districts of Afar National Regional State, Northeast Ethiopia. J. Vet. Med. Anim. Health: 5(12): 358-64.
[2]
BoARD (Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development).(2020): Agricultural Sample Survey. Report on Livestock and Livestock CharacteristicsVol. II. Retrieved February, 2020. Addis Ababa.
[3]
Dosa, D., Mohammed, N. & Mathewos, M. (2023): Study on small ruminant brucellosis and owners awareness in two selected districts of southern region, Ethiopia. Veterinary Medicine and Science. 9(9): 907-16.
[4]
Hailu A, Feleke A, Adugna W, Keskes S. (2016): mall ruminant brucellosis and public health awareness in two districts of a far region, Ethiopia. Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology. 7: 335.
Geletu U S., Usmael M A, Mummed Y Y. (2021): Sero-prevalence and Risk Factors of Small Ruminant Brucellosis in West Hararghe Zone of Oromia Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia", Veterinary Medicine International. 2021: 7.
[6]
Gemechu, R. (2017): Brucellosis and Its Control through One Health Approaches in Ethiopia. 4, 3-6.
[7]
Girmay. A, Hussien, D, and. Afera. B. (2013): “Seroprevalence of ovine brucellosis in a sheep export farm, Ethiopia,” Global Veterinaria. 11: 325-28.
[8]
Kebkiba, B. (2021). Epidemiology of Brucellosis in Small Ruminants. Open Access Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology, 6(3), 1-5.
Kelkay, G Gugsa, Y Hagos, and H Taddelle. (2017): Sero-prevalence and associated risk factors for Brucella sero-positivity among small ruminants in Tselemti districts, Northern Ethiopia. Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health. 9(11): 320-26.
[10]
Sintayehu G, Melesse B, Abayneh A D, Sintayehu A, Melaku S, et al. (2015): Epidemiological survey of brucellosis in sheep and goats in selected pastoral and agro-pastoral lowlands of Ethiopia. Rev Sci Tech Off mnt Epiz: 34(3).
[11]
Teklue T, Tolosa T, Tuli G, Beyene B, Hailu B. (2013): Seroprevalence and risk factors study of brucellosis in small ruminants in Southern Zone of Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia. Trop. Anim. Health Prod. 45: 1809-15.
[12]
Tewodros A E, Dawit A A. (2015): Sero-Prevalence of Small Ruminant Brucellosis in and around Kombolcha, Amhara Regional State, North-Eastern Ethiopia. J. Vet. Sci. Med. Diagn.. 4(5).
[13]
Thrusfield, M. (2007): Sample size Determination. In: Veterinary Epidemiology. 3rd Ed. UK: Black well Science Ltd. pp. 185-9.
[14]
Tsegay A, Tuli G, Kassa T, Kebede N. (2015): Sero prevalence and risk factors of Brucellosis in small ruminants slaughtered at DebreZiet and Modjo export abattoirs, Ethiopia. J. Infect. Dev. Ctries. 9(4): 373-80.
[15]
(OIE, 2015): Caprine and Ovine Brucellosis (Excluding Brucella Ovis Infection). Manual of Standard for Diagnostic Test and Vaccine. 4th ed. Paris. 475-89.
[16]
(OIE, 2016): Terrestrial Manual. Brucellosis Infection, Adopted by the World Assembly of Delegates of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE). 2: 1-14.
[17]
Omer M K, Asfaw T, Skjerve E, Teklegiorgis T, Woldehiwot Z. (2002): Prevalence of antibodies to Brucella spp and risk factors related to high risk occupational groups in Eritrea. Epidemiol Infect. 129: 85-91.
[18]
Olsen S C, Garin Bastuji B, Blasco J M, Nicola A M, Samartino L, et al. (2012): Diseases of Swine. 10th ed. Hokoben: Wiley-Blackwell. 697-708.
[19]
Seleem M N, Boyle S M, Sriranganathan N. Brucellosis. (2010): A Re Emerging Zoonosis. Veterinary Microbiology. 140: 392-98.
[20]
Yesuf M., Alemu S., Temesge W., Mazengia H, and Negussie H. (2011): “Seroprevalence of ovine brucellosis in south Wollo, North Eastern Ethiopia,” East African Journal of Public Health, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 58-60.
Kinfe, G., Birhanu, W., Abie, G., Asrat, M. (2025). Study on Prevalence of Small Ruminant Brucellosis and Associated Factors in Wemberima and North Mecha Districs of Amahara Region, Ethiopia. Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 13(4), 114-118. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20251304.14
Kinfe, G.; Birhanu, W.; Abie, G.; Asrat, M. Study on Prevalence of Small Ruminant Brucellosis and Associated Factors in Wemberima and North Mecha Districs of Amahara Region, Ethiopia. Anim. Vet. Sci.2025, 13(4), 114-118. doi: 10.11648/j.avs.20251304.14
Kinfe G, Birhanu W, Abie G, Asrat M. Study on Prevalence of Small Ruminant Brucellosis and Associated Factors in Wemberima and North Mecha Districs of Amahara Region, Ethiopia. Anim Vet Sci. 2025;13(4):114-118. doi: 10.11648/j.avs.20251304.14
@article{10.11648/j.avs.20251304.14,
author = {Getachew Kinfe and Worku Birhanu and Getnet Abie and Metenyelesh Asrat},
title = {Study on Prevalence of Small Ruminant Brucellosis and Associated Factors in Wemberima and North Mecha Districs of Amahara Region, Ethiopia
},
journal = {Animal and Veterinary Sciences},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {114-118},
doi = {10.11648/j.avs.20251304.14},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20251304.14},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.avs.20251304.14},
abstract = {Brucellosis is one of the infectious disease that most affects sheep and goats productivity. Ethiopia is home to a significant number of animals, but it has not fully capitalized on the potential of small ruminant production. This underperformance is due to several factors, including poor genetic quality, inadequate management practices, and major challenges related to diseases. These issues pose significant barriers to achieving economic returns from small ruminant production. Additionally, farmers often develop a strong attachment to their animals, making it crucial to assess the status of zoonotic diseases, such as brucellosissis. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants and its related risk factors from February to May 2023 in Wemberima and North Mecha districts of the Amhara Region. A total of 600 sera were collected from ten purposively selected villages of the two districts (Goat, n=355 and Ovine, n = 245) and screened using RBT for the evidence of antibodies against brucellosis and confirmed by Complement Fixation Test (CFT). The study revealed an overall 3% (95% CI: 1.48-26.69) sero-prevalence of ruminant brucellosis. Species were significantly associated risk factors with Brucella seropositivity (P Brucella was found to be 6.11 (OR=6.11; 95% CI: 1.48- 26.69) times higher in Ovine than in Caprine. All other risk variables had no significant effect (P > 0.05).},
year = {2025}
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Study on Prevalence of Small Ruminant Brucellosis and Associated Factors in Wemberima and North Mecha Districs of Amahara Region, Ethiopia
AU - Getachew Kinfe
AU - Worku Birhanu
AU - Getnet Abie
AU - Metenyelesh Asrat
Y1 - 2025/08/07
PY - 2025
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20251304.14
DO - 10.11648/j.avs.20251304.14
T2 - Animal and Veterinary Sciences
JF - Animal and Veterinary Sciences
JO - Animal and Veterinary Sciences
SP - 114
EP - 118
PB - Science Publishing Group
SN - 2328-5850
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20251304.14
AB - Brucellosis is one of the infectious disease that most affects sheep and goats productivity. Ethiopia is home to a significant number of animals, but it has not fully capitalized on the potential of small ruminant production. This underperformance is due to several factors, including poor genetic quality, inadequate management practices, and major challenges related to diseases. These issues pose significant barriers to achieving economic returns from small ruminant production. Additionally, farmers often develop a strong attachment to their animals, making it crucial to assess the status of zoonotic diseases, such as brucellosissis. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants and its related risk factors from February to May 2023 in Wemberima and North Mecha districts of the Amhara Region. A total of 600 sera were collected from ten purposively selected villages of the two districts (Goat, n=355 and Ovine, n = 245) and screened using RBT for the evidence of antibodies against brucellosis and confirmed by Complement Fixation Test (CFT). The study revealed an overall 3% (95% CI: 1.48-26.69) sero-prevalence of ruminant brucellosis. Species were significantly associated risk factors with Brucella seropositivity (P Brucella was found to be 6.11 (OR=6.11; 95% CI: 1.48- 26.69) times higher in Ovine than in Caprine. All other risk variables had no significant effect (P > 0.05).
VL - 13
IS - 4
ER -
Kinfe, G., Birhanu, W., Abie, G., Asrat, M. (2025). Study on Prevalence of Small Ruminant Brucellosis and Associated Factors in Wemberima and North Mecha Districs of Amahara Region, Ethiopia. Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 13(4), 114-118. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20251304.14
Kinfe, G.; Birhanu, W.; Abie, G.; Asrat, M. Study on Prevalence of Small Ruminant Brucellosis and Associated Factors in Wemberima and North Mecha Districs of Amahara Region, Ethiopia. Anim. Vet. Sci.2025, 13(4), 114-118. doi: 10.11648/j.avs.20251304.14
Kinfe G, Birhanu W, Abie G, Asrat M. Study on Prevalence of Small Ruminant Brucellosis and Associated Factors in Wemberima and North Mecha Districs of Amahara Region, Ethiopia. Anim Vet Sci. 2025;13(4):114-118. doi: 10.11648/j.avs.20251304.14
@article{10.11648/j.avs.20251304.14,
author = {Getachew Kinfe and Worku Birhanu and Getnet Abie and Metenyelesh Asrat},
title = {Study on Prevalence of Small Ruminant Brucellosis and Associated Factors in Wemberima and North Mecha Districs of Amahara Region, Ethiopia
},
journal = {Animal and Veterinary Sciences},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {114-118},
doi = {10.11648/j.avs.20251304.14},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20251304.14},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.avs.20251304.14},
abstract = {Brucellosis is one of the infectious disease that most affects sheep and goats productivity. Ethiopia is home to a significant number of animals, but it has not fully capitalized on the potential of small ruminant production. This underperformance is due to several factors, including poor genetic quality, inadequate management practices, and major challenges related to diseases. These issues pose significant barriers to achieving economic returns from small ruminant production. Additionally, farmers often develop a strong attachment to their animals, making it crucial to assess the status of zoonotic diseases, such as brucellosissis. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants and its related risk factors from February to May 2023 in Wemberima and North Mecha districts of the Amhara Region. A total of 600 sera were collected from ten purposively selected villages of the two districts (Goat, n=355 and Ovine, n = 245) and screened using RBT for the evidence of antibodies against brucellosis and confirmed by Complement Fixation Test (CFT). The study revealed an overall 3% (95% CI: 1.48-26.69) sero-prevalence of ruminant brucellosis. Species were significantly associated risk factors with Brucella seropositivity (P Brucella was found to be 6.11 (OR=6.11; 95% CI: 1.48- 26.69) times higher in Ovine than in Caprine. All other risk variables had no significant effect (P > 0.05).},
year = {2025}
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Study on Prevalence of Small Ruminant Brucellosis and Associated Factors in Wemberima and North Mecha Districs of Amahara Region, Ethiopia
AU - Getachew Kinfe
AU - Worku Birhanu
AU - Getnet Abie
AU - Metenyelesh Asrat
Y1 - 2025/08/07
PY - 2025
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20251304.14
DO - 10.11648/j.avs.20251304.14
T2 - Animal and Veterinary Sciences
JF - Animal and Veterinary Sciences
JO - Animal and Veterinary Sciences
SP - 114
EP - 118
PB - Science Publishing Group
SN - 2328-5850
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20251304.14
AB - Brucellosis is one of the infectious disease that most affects sheep and goats productivity. Ethiopia is home to a significant number of animals, but it has not fully capitalized on the potential of small ruminant production. This underperformance is due to several factors, including poor genetic quality, inadequate management practices, and major challenges related to diseases. These issues pose significant barriers to achieving economic returns from small ruminant production. Additionally, farmers often develop a strong attachment to their animals, making it crucial to assess the status of zoonotic diseases, such as brucellosissis. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants and its related risk factors from February to May 2023 in Wemberima and North Mecha districts of the Amhara Region. A total of 600 sera were collected from ten purposively selected villages of the two districts (Goat, n=355 and Ovine, n = 245) and screened using RBT for the evidence of antibodies against brucellosis and confirmed by Complement Fixation Test (CFT). The study revealed an overall 3% (95% CI: 1.48-26.69) sero-prevalence of ruminant brucellosis. Species were significantly associated risk factors with Brucella seropositivity (P Brucella was found to be 6.11 (OR=6.11; 95% CI: 1.48- 26.69) times higher in Ovine than in Caprine. All other risk variables had no significant effect (P > 0.05).
VL - 13
IS - 4
ER -
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