Serological evidence of brucellosis in a goat flock with recurrent abortion in Abeokuta, Nigeria

摘要

Three vaginal and 2 preputial swabs, 3 milk samples and 21 serum samples were collected in two batches (November, 2005 and November, 2006) from a flock containing 43 intensively reared goats in Abeokuta with a history of recurrent abortions in the last three years. The vaginal and preputial swabs as well as the milk samples were examined culturally. Two of the milk samples were also tested for Brucella antibody using the milk ring, test (MRT) while Rose bengal plate test (RBPT) and Serum agglutination test (SAT) were used to test for the presence of Brucella antibody in the serum samples. None of the cultured samples yielded Brucella. The milk samples tested were negative for Brucella antibody by MRT. However, 4 (40%) and 5 (45.45%) of the first and second batches of the serum samples respectively were positive by RBPT and SAT (at a titre of 1/150). The result also showed an increase (5.45%) sero-prevalence of brucellosis in the goat flock. For economic consideration, mass vaccination rather than test and slaughter policy of the animals is recommended, since more than 2% of the goats were involved and none was found to be positive bacteriologically.