Bovine brucellosis in organized farms of India - An assessment of diagnostic assays and risk factors

Abstract

Bovine brucellosis is a highly contagious ubiquitous reproductive disorder of dairy ani-mals. To assess the diagnostic assays and risk factors associated with bovine brucellosis, a systematic study was conducted in 24 organized farms, containing a total of 1359 dairy animals during the period of 2013-2014. Herd and animal level data were recorded in a structured questionnaire. Of the 1359 samples, 71 (5.22%), 82 (6.03%), 73 (5.37%) and 54 (3.97%) samples were positive by RBPT, iELISA, serum and blood PCRs respectively. Combination of iELISA and serum PCR were found most suitable to declare brucellosis status of the animals. e high brucellosis prevalence was recorded in medium sized farms (26-100 animals) than in small and large farms. Similarly, disease prevalence ranged from 6.13 to 11.42%inthe age groups of2 to 8 yrs.e disease predisposition with respect to breeds revealed that the prevalence varied from 3 to 5% in cross breeds of Holstein Friesian and Jersey, and serological and PCR tests were negative in Indian breeds such as Hallikar and Ongole cattle and Surti bualoes. Purchase of animals without prior diagnosis, lack of awareness and routine milk testing were found as other potential risk factors for transmission of disease. e study facilitates improvisation of sensitivity of clinical surveillance system for early diagnosis and to prevent the disease transmission