Study on seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle and buffaloes

A total of 100 each of aborted cattle and buffaloes were included in present study. The abortion percentage in cattle and buffaloes was 8 and 10% in 2nd month, 10 and 8% in 3rd, 20 and 16% in 4th, 17 and 12% in 5th, 20 and 19% in 6th, 10 and 15% in 7th, 15 and 14% in 8th and 0 and 6% in 9th month of pregnancy, respectively. Of the total 100 each of cattle and buffaloes, 9% of animals were added in their herds by self-raising, while 91% were through auction. Regarding disposal of aborted materials, 56 and 32% of farmers reported a proper, where as 44 and 68% improper, respectively. 65% of cattle and buffaloes herds were at a distance of less than 3km, while 35% at distance of greater than or equal to 5 km or more. 49% aborted cattle and buffaloes herds were in contact with stray cattle, 36% were in contact with stray dogs, whereas 15% were contact with other zoo animals. Infertility 8%, Hygroma (8%) and retained after birth (82%) were common disorders in aborted cattle and buffaloes, 30% were pregnant and 70% were non pregnant. Of the pregnant 10% were dry, while 20% were wet, respectively. The overall prevalence of brucellosis was recorded to be 31% cattle and 47% of buffaloes by RBPT and SAT, and 22(31.88%) cattle and 42(47.19%) of buffaloes by MRT, respectively. A seroprevalence of brucellosis in pregnant cattle and buffaloes, diagnosed by Brucella RBPT were 6 (19.35%) and 3 (6.38%), while in non pregnant (lactating) 25 (80.65%) and 44 (93.62%), respectively. Brucellosis in cattle and buffaloes was dominant at age group of greater than 4 and 5 years i.e. 27(87.10%) and 45(95.74%) compared to age group of less than 4 and 5 years i.e. 4(12.90%) and 2(4.26%), respectively. Of the 100 each cattle and buffaloes serum samples, observed by SAT, 31% sera of cattle interacted with titers of 1/20, 1/40 and 1/80 and 47% sera of buffaloes interacted with titers of 1/20, 1/40, 1/80 and 1/160. No interaction between antibody and antigen were observed in titer of 1 / 10 in both cattle and buffaloes. It was concluded that Brucellosis in cattle and buffaloes is prevalent in dairy and household farms around Hyderabad. A higher prevalence of brucellosis was observed in buffaloes than in cattle. Brucella positive reactor was predominantly higher in buffaloes than cattle. Brucellosis was dominant in the age group of greater than or equal to 4 years in cattle and greater than or equal to 5 years in buffaloes. Brucella antibody titer was relatively higher in Brucella positive reactor buffaloes than cattle. The main constraints of brucellosis HACCP study were the source of addition of cattle/ buffaloes, disposal of aborted material, distance between herds and contact with other animals etc.