Seroepidemiological study of brucellosis in animals of rohilkhand region, u.p., india and its occupational significance

A total of 1500 blood samples from animals including 725 of cattle, 393 of buffaloes, 180 of goats, 202 of dogs and 100 from veterinarians of Rohilkhand region, U.P., India were screened for seroprevalence of brucellosis. Of the two tests employed, STAT detected comparatively higher percentage of seropositive animals (10.2%) as compared to RBPT (9.5%) and 6 veterinarians by RBPT (6%)and 18 by STAT(18%). Highest seroprevalence was found in cattle (11.6%) followed by buffaloes (10.9%), goats(5.0%) and dogs(2.5%). Demographically, the highest seroprevalence of animal brucellosis was seen in Moradabad district (12.4%) followed by Shahjahanpur (11%), Badaun (10%), Pilibhit (9.4%), Rampur (8.6%) and Bareilly (8%) whereas veterinarians of Pilibhit district showed highest seroprevalence rate (25%). Cattle, buffalo and goats showed highest seroprevalence during rainy season whereas dogs during summer season (3.6%). Seasonal pattern of seroprevalence among veterinarians was same as that of animals. In all the animals, seroprevalence was higher in females in comparison to males. In contrast more number of male veterinarians (18.6%) were found positive than the female veterinarians (11.1%). In cattle, buffaloes and goats seroprevalence was higher in adults in comparison to young animals but it was more in young dogs in comparison to adult dogs.