seroprevalence, risk factors and community perceptions of small ruminant brucellosis in wachile district of borena zone, ethiopia

This study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants of wachile district borena. three hundred twenty-four samples (188 goats and 136 sheep) were proportionally selected from five kebeles. five animals were sampled systematically from each flock at a kth interval until the sample size of kebeles was attained. all animals were sampled in a flock with less than five animals, whereas from flock size above five animals, a maximum of five were sampled at an interval of n/n= kth. the assumed risk factors like physiological status, age, sex, flock size, and other factors recorded. serum prepared from blood samples collected for serological tests (rose bengal plate test and indirect elisa). data was analyzed using stata-14 software. seroprevalence association with assumed risk factors were compared by chi-square using fisher’s exact test. the study revealed a 5.2% seroprevalence by a screening test, of which four positives were confirmed by ielisa (1.23%) with seroprevalence of 1.6% and 0.74% in goats and sheep, respectively. there was no significant (p>0.05) association observed in age, sex, flock size, bcs, and introduction of new animals.  reproductive parameters had a significant association with seroprevalence (p<0.05).  perception of the community shows they have no experience of proper disposal. protection during parturition shows 26% use soap and 22% use water only. poor community knowledge about the disease and its zoonotic significance was recorded. low seroprevalence in small ruminant observed which was more associated with the introduction of new animals. a significant association between reproductive parameters and seroprevalence indicates the disease related to reproduction. therefore, attention should be given even though the prevalence is low.