Sero-epidemiology of brucellosis in small ruminants in Plateau State, Nigeria

A sero-epidemiological study of brucellosis in small ruminants was carried out in Plateau state to determine the status of the disease. A total of 1347 serum samples from 851 goats and 496 sheep systematically collected from nine randomly selected Local Government Areas (LGA) of the state were tested for brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and serum agglutination test (SAT). The result revealed brucellosis prevalence of 14.5% in sheep and 16.1% in goats, respectively. The prevalence varied from one LGA to another and between sheep and goats in each LGA. In goats, the highest prevalence of 19.7% was recorded in Mangu LGA while the lowest (10.3%) was in Shendam LGA. In sheep, Quanpan LGA had the highest prevalence of 23.5% while Bassa LGA had the least prevalence of 6.3%. The prevalence in goats was higher compared to sheep but this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The widespread brucellosis seroprevalence in Plateau state is of great economic and public health significance. There is the need to embark on control and eradication of small ruminant brucellosis in Plateau state, Nigeria. Culling of affected small ruminants and maintenance of good hygienic practices will be useful methods of control at this point in time.