The Prevalence of Brucellosis in Cattle, Goats and Humans in Rural Uganda: A Comparative Study

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Epidemiology
• Zoonotic Diseases
• One Health Research

Background:

• Brucellosis is a significant zoonotic disease affecting livestock and humans globally.
• Uganda focuses brucellosis control on cattle, potentially overlooking other reservoirs.
• Understanding disease dynamics in mixed-animal-human farming systems is crucial for effective control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine brucellosis prevalence in cattle, goats, and humans in southwestern Uganda.
• To identify risk factors associated with brucellosis in these host groups.
• To assess the interconnectedness of brucellosis transmission among different species on farms.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 768 cattle, 315 goats, 236 humans, and 635 milk samples from 70 farms.
• Serological testing using Rose Bengal Plate test (cattle, goats) and lateral flow assay (humans).
• Milk Ring Test for bovine milk samples; multivariable regression for risk factor analysis.

Main Results:

• Brucellosis screening tests were positive in 14% of cattle, 29% of milk, 17% of goats, and 11% of human sera.
• Higher prevalence observed in areas near Lake Mburo National Park compared to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Significant positive associations found between seropositivity in goats, cattle, and humans.

Conclusions:

• Brucellosis is prevalent across cattle, goats, and humans in the study area.
• Goat brucellosis appears to be a significant factor in the farm-level epidemiology, impacting human and cattle infections.
• Improving farm biosecurity, hygiene, and potentially addressing tick control are recommended to reduce brucellosis risk.