Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Camel Brucellosis in the Gumbi Bordode District of the Oromia Region, Eastern Ethiopia

Brucellosis is a significant disease that impacts both public health and the economy worldwide. A cross‐sectional study of camel brucellosis was carried out from December 2019 to May 2020 in the Gumbi Bordode district within the West Hararghe Zone of Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the disease and identify risk factors that could facilitate its transmission. Blood samples were collected from 384 accessible camels from two kebeles in the study district. The Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) served as the initial screening method, whereas the indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (i‐ELISA) and complement fixation test (CFT) were used for confirmation. Data analysis was performed via SPSS Version 20 to estimate the overall prevalence and explore potential risk factors for seropositivity through univariate logistic regression. The overall seroprevalence of camel brucellosis was 2.60% according to RBPT, 1.56% according to i‐ELISA, and 1.30% according to CFT. Statistical tests revealed that only a history of abortion was significantly associated with seropositivity ( χ 2 = 5.890, p = 0.015; OR = 9.556, 95% CI: 1.05 to 86.976, p < 0.05), whereas other factors, such as age, sex, parity, herd size, and physiological status, showed no significant associations. Cohen’s kappa analysis indicated an almost perfect agreement between i‐ELISA and CFT ( K = 0.908), a substantial agreement between RBPT and CFT ( K = 0.661), and a substantial agreement between RBPT and i‐ELISA ( K = 0.745). In conclusion, the detected seroprevalence levels suggest a potential public health risk in the study areas. Therefore, increasing public awareness of the zoonotic importance of brucellosis, managing risk factors, implementing preventive measures, and encouraging collaboration between the veterinary and healthcare sectors are crucial.