Serological survey of brucellosis in livestock animals in Sarab City (East Azarbayjan province), Iran

Brucellosis is an infectious and zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution. Despite its control program, the disease is endemic in Iran and remains one of the most important public health problems. The aim of this survey was to determine the seroprovalence of brucellosis in livestock animals in Sarab City, Iran. A total of 1500 animals (600 cattle, 740 sheep and 160 goats) were examined for brucellosis from February 2007 to September 2008. The examined animals were divided into two sex groups (male and female). Moreover cattle were divided into four breed groups (Holstein, Brown Swiss, Native and Mixed). Serological examinations including Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), serum agglutination test (SAT) and 2-mercaptoethanol test (2ME) were performed on serum samples obtained from examined animals. In overall, out of 1500 blood samples 61 (4.06%) were positive for brucellosis. The prevalence of brucellosis in cattle, sheep and goats were found 3.66, 4.18 and 5%, respectively. The prevalence rates of brucellosis in different breeds of cattle, Holstein, Brown Swiss, native and mixed breeds were determined as: 4.72, 2.22, 2.50 and 3.75%, respectively. The prevalence rates of the disease in male and female animals were determined as follows: Male cattle, 1.53%, female cattle, 3.92%, male sheep, 2.8%, female sheep, 4.89%, male goats, 2.22%, and female goats, 6.08%. There were differences in the prevalences of brucellosis in different breeds and sexes of examined animals however statistically were not significant (P>0.05, X-2 <3.84). The results of the present study indicated that the prevalence of brucellosis in livestock animals in Sarab City is relatively high and effective control program of the disease should be recommended.