Seroprevalence and factors associated with Brucella infections in cattle in Tanganyika district, Katavi Region, Tanzania

Abstract

Bovine brucellosis is a chronic infectious disease of cattle, which poses serious public health and economic impacts. It leads to reproductive failures such as abortion, retained placenta, and infertility. Humans contract the infection through occupational exposure or consumption of contaminated animal products. Brucellosis is endemic in Tanzania, however, its profile in terms of magnitude and distribution is limited. Tanganyika District is one of areas in Tanzania which lacks such information for control purposes. This study, therefore, was designed to determine the magnitude of brucella infection in cattle and assess the associated factors in Tanganyika District. A total 380 cattle sera were screened for brucella antibodies by Rose Bengal Plate Test and confirmed by Fluorescence Polarization Assay. A structured questionnaire was administered to 51 herd owners to assess the potential factors associated with brucella infection. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results showed that out of 380 cattle sera tested, 24 (6.3%, 95%CI=4.3-9.2) were positive for brucella antibodies. Bull sharing (OR=5.2, 95%CI=1.6-17.1) and open disposal of foetal membranes (OR=6.4, 95%CI=1.2-32.5) were associated with sero-positivity. The odds of brucellosis in cattle were higher in farms where farmers were engaged in managing reproduction cases (OR=20.8, 95%CI=7.3-59.5). These findings highlight the presence of bovine brucellosis in Tanganyika district and its occurrence is associated with management practices such as bull sharing, direct contact with and improper disposal of foetal membranes. This call for targeted control strategies including regular screening, public awareness campaigns, and improved animal health management.