Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Bovine Brucellosis in Sindh, Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v4i3.2983Keywords:
Bovine Brucellosis, Seroprevalence, Brucella Abortus, Risk Factors, Sindh, Zoonosis, Epidemiology, Cattle.Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of bovine brucellosis in Sindh, Pakistan. A total of 1000 serum samples were randomly collected from cattle across eight districts and screened using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) followed by confirmation with an ELISA. The overall seroprevalence was 25.0% (250/1000). District-wise analysis revealed significant geographical variation, with the highest prevalence in Hyderabad (41.6%) and the lowest in Badin (14.4%). Epidemiological factors strongly influenced infection rates. A significantly higher (χ²=55.2, p<0.001) prevalence was found in female cattle (32.3%) compared to males (11.4%). Prevalence increased markedly with age, from 6.7% in animals under two years to 45.8% in those over six years. Seasonal variation was also evident, with the highest seropositivity (33.9%) recorded during the Monsoon season (August-October). The findings demonstrate that bovine brucellosis is highly endemic in Sindh, posing a substantial economic threat to the livestock sector and a major zoonotic risk to the human population. Key risk factors include district location, female gender, older age, and the monsoon season. Targeted intervention strategies, including vaccination programs in high-prevalence districts and heightened biosecurity during high-risk seasons, are urgently recommended.
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