Application of the Fluorescence Polarization Assay for Detecting Bovine Brucellosis Antibodies in Kasulu and Kibondo Districts, Western Tanzania

Abstract

A cross-sectional study on bovine brucellosis was carried out between November 2021 and January 2022 in Kasulu and Kibondo Districts of Kigoma Region, Western Tanzania, to determine the disease prevalence. The Fluorescence Polarization Assay (FPA), a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for detecting Brucella antibodies, was employed to enhance diagnostic accuracy. A total of 388 cattle were examined, yielding an overall seroprevalence of 7.73%. The prevalence was significantly higher in Kasulu District (10.98%) compared to Kibondo District (0.81%) (p = 0.002). Female cattle recorded a higher seroprevalence (10.95%) than males (0%) (p = 0.001). Moreover, the Ankole breed exhibited greater susceptibility, with adult Ankole cattle showing a significantly higher prevalence (9.4%) compared to indigenous breeds (4.5%) (p < 0.001). These results indicate that bovine brucellosis remains an important concern in both districts, with Kasulu particularly Kagerankanda village emerging as a hotspot due to its prominence in livestock keeping. Given the zoonotic nature of brucellosis, these findings underscore the urgent need for targeted and strategic control measures to mitigate both animal and public health risks.