Seroprevalence of brucellosis in donkeys (<i>Equus asinus</i>) and assessment of donkey management practices in Gamawa local government area, Bauchi state, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in donkeys (Equus asinus) and its association with donkey management practices in Gamawa Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Serum Agglutination Test (SAT). A total of 1000 donkeys were sampled comprising of 585 males and 415 females. Two hundred donkeys were sampled from each of the five clusters in the study area viz: Gamawa East, Gamawa West, Udubo East, Udubo West and donkey Market. Simple percentages and chi-square (χ²) test were used to analyzed the data by subjecting it to SPSS-16 statistical software. The overall prevalence of brucellosis in donkeys was 114 (11.4%), out of which 51 (8.7%) males and 63 (15.2%) females were positive. Prevalence of Brucellosis was higher in females 63 (15.2%) than males. Breed of donkeys has significant influence on prevalence of brucellosis. Prevalence was higher among ≥7 age group 16 (19.8%) than in 5-6, 3-4 and ≤2 age groups (P<0.01) and in donkey market 34 (17%) than the other locations (P<0.05). It can be concluded from the findings of this study that there is 11.4% prevalence of brucellosis among donkeys in the study area with higher prevalence in female donkeys, older donkeys and donkey market.

Keywords: Seroprevalence, Brucellosis, Donkey, (RBPT), (SAT), Gamawa