Prevalence of ovine brucellosis in sheep export in Berbera Somaliland

Abstract

In this study, a cross-sectional study was carried out from December 2016 to June 2017 to evaluate the prevalence of ovine brucellosis in Somali sheep intended for export in Berbera Somaliland. Serum samples from 400 sheep were collected and analyzed using Rose Bengal plate test. A full of 400 serum samples collected from different sheep herds in different districts, 345 (86.25%) of them were male and 55 (13.75%) were female. Out of the 400 serum samples 2(0.5%) positive for brucellosis by the Rose Bengal plate (RBPT). According to the sex, the prevalence of the disease was 2 (0.57%) in males and no positive sample observed in females. There were also some clinical signs of sheep brucellosis in all animals of the study samples such as history of abortion there was five aborted although there were serologically no positive samples. We conclude that the prevalence of ovine brucellosis according to the serological diagnosis is prevailing in Berber district at a low rate; and also the reproductive health problem such as orchitis and infertility is low. For recommendation, further surveys are required to investigate the sheep brucellosis in the production states and local slaughtered animals. However, more studies investigating potential risk factors that could enhance the spread and transmission of brucellosis in sheep in Somaliland are warranted. Also controlling, managing and eradicating the disease at this low prevalence should be a priority as it will take only a small effort and cost.