CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY OF SMALL RUMINANT BRUCELLOSIS IN EL OUED DISTRICT

Brucellosis is an endemic zoonotic disease in Algeria responsible for significant losses in animal industry and public health. This study aimed to determine the true small ruminant herd seroprevalence and associated risk factors in El Oued province. Therefore, a cross sectional study was carried out using simple random sampling strategy. Blood samples collected from 51 herds (612 sheep and goats) were analyzed for the detection of anti-Brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal test (RBT), and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) in parallel and complement fixation test (CFT) for confirmation. A structured questionnaire regarding relevant biodata related to herd and farm management was administered to animal keepers. Assessment of likely association between variables and Brucella spp. seropositivity herd status was performed using simple and binary logistic regression. True herd prevalence was 27.95% (95% CI: 17.18–42.01). Herds with abortion history were more likely to be seropositive with higher odds (p=0.03) (OR: 6.25, 95% CI: 1.20–32.46). Poultry presence among sheep and goats flocks (p=0.01) reduced about 89% the risk of the herd being seropositive (OR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02–0.61). Based on our findings, a rigorous long-term control program is highly recommended including implementation of biosecurity measures at farms for an optimum outcome.