Sero-prevalence of Brucellosis in Cattle and Its Associated Risk Factors in North East India (Meghalaya)

Aim: A cross-sectional sero-prevalence study was conducted from July 2008 to December 2014 in Meghalaya (India) to determine prevalence of bovine brucellosis and also for assessing the risk factors associated with the disease in cattle.

Materials and Methods: In the present study, serum samples were collected from a 1248 animals aged 1-12 years and were screened for brucella antibodies using RBPT and Indirect ELISA. The samples were collected from male and female cattle, which were reared in organized farms and smaller private holdings.

Results: Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) revealed 2.8% serum positivity whereas 2.24% were detected positive by indirect ELISA. Prevalence was higher in female (2.16%) compared to male (0.08%) and cattle of age group 2-7 years old were much susceptible than others. Higher prevalent were detected from organized farms maintaining high number of animals (3.3%) than smaller private holdings (1.49%). Cattle with history of abortion also indicate higher and significant association with sero-positivity found in such sampling animals.

Conclusion: Brucellosis is prevalent in the hilly state of Meghalaya (India).Therefore the study give an insight into the sero-prevalence of bovine brucellosis in the state with potential risk factors for transmission of disease.