Sero-Prevalence of Brucellosis in Cattle in Southern Area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Brucellosis considered as the most important zoonotic disease worldwide.The diagnosis of brucellosis in bovines requires the use of more than one serological test for routine diagnosis.Present study was conducted to estimate the occurrence and prevalence of brucellosis in the lactating dairy cattle located in Bannu and Lakki Marwat districts of Khyber PakhtunKhwa, Pakistan.A total of 302 blood and milk samples were collected from different breed of cattle.The blood and milk samples were screened for brucellosis on the basis of serum plate agglutination test (SPAT) and Milk Ring Test (MRT), respectively.The overall prevalence of brucellosis was found 5.2% and 10.9% in District Bannu and Lakki Marwat, respectively, moreover prevalence of brucellosis on basis of SPAT and MRT showed 7.94% and 3.97% respectively.On the basis of breeding pattern, prevalence of brucellosis was found 10.2%, 19% and 13% in local breed, Friesian cross and Jersey cross respectively and no significant association was found among them (P > 0.05).Higher prevalence of brucellosis was found in cattle with age group of greater than five years with statistically significant association (P<0.05).Moreover, in case of breeding practice the prevalence of brucellosis was found higher within unknown source of breeding followed by community bull and artificial insemination (P > 0.05).Furthermore, higher prevalence of brucellosis was found in animals that were set free for grazing compared to stall feeder animals (P > 0.05).It can be therefore concluded that regular screening of animals for brucellosis in these areas is required to control this disease.