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Seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep of organized and unorganized sector of Kashmir valley

May 2013
Veterinary World 6(8):530

DOI:10.5455/vetworld.2013.530-533

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Authors:

Iram Lone

Ashraf Baba

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu

Maroof Shah

Sheep Husbandry

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Aim: A seroprevalence study of brucellosis in sheep was conducted from April 2010 to April 2012 from both organized and unorganized sectors of the Kashmir valley. Materials and Methods: A total of 6615 sera samples were tested by Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) and Standard Tube Agglutination Test (STAT). Results: The overall seropositivity revealed 6.50 % of prevalence of brucellosis. Higher prevalence (14.14%) of brucellosis was recorded in unorganized sector as compared organized sector (3.23%).

Map showing brucellosis affected areas of kashmir valley

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Lone IM, Baba MA, Shah MM, Iqbal A and Sakina A (2013) Seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep of organized and

unorganized sector of Kashmir valley, Vet World 6(8): 530-533, doi:10.5455/vetworld.2013.530-533

Introduction seasonal, reaching a peak usually after kidding and

lambing [9].

Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic infection and is Brucella melitensis is considered to be the most

amongst the most important diseases, in terms of loss to important cause of abortion, reduced fertility,

economy that affects sheep and goat population in the increased neonatal losses and leads to emergency

developing countries [1,2]. It is a contagious disease slaughtering of the infected animals [10]. Ovine and

caused by bacteria of genus Brucella.. Nine Brucella caprine brucellosis due to B.melitensis is widespread in

species are currently recognized, seven of these that the country [11, 12] and is considered to be the most

affect terrestrial animals : B. abortus, B. melitensis, B. important disease due to its economic impact where it

suis, B. ovis, B. canis, B. neotomae, and B. microti has an adverse effect on total animal protein supplies,

[3,4,5]. Five out of the nine known Brucella species can and severe hazard it represents to human health [13]. It

infect humans and the most pathogenic and invasive has been reported in different countries in Asia

species for human is B. melitensis, followed in including Pakistan [14], Sri Lanka [15], India [16],

descending order by B. suis, B. abortus and B. canis China [17], Mongolia [18] and other parts of Asia [19].

[6]. In places where brucellosis is endemic, humans There are about 500,000 new human cases of

can get infected via contact with infected animals or brucellosis reported annually worldwide making it the

consumption of their products, mostly milk and milk commonest zoonosis [5].

products especially cheese made from unpasteurized Sheep brucellosis can be divided into classical

milk of sheep and goats and rennet from infected lambs brucellosis and ram epididymitis. Ram epididymitis is

and kids. Some specific occupational groups including caused by non-zoonotic agent B. ovis, while classical

farm workers, veterinarians, ranchers, and meat- brucellosis is caused by B. melitensis and constitutes a

packing employees are considered at higher risk [7]. B. major public health threat equal to goat brucellosis [6].

abortus and B. suis infections usually affect Besides the abortion, swine may also develop orchitis,

occupational groups, while B. melitensis infections lameness, hind limb paralysis, or spondylitis;

occur more frequently than the other Brucella species occasionally, metritis or abscesses [20].

in the general population [6, 8]. Consumption of sheep Brucellosis has been emerging as a serious

or goat milk containing B. melitensis is an important concern in last few years in Jammu and Kashmir and

source of human brucellosis worldwide and has caused therefore this study was undertaken. The main

several outbreaks. For example; in some countries objective of this study was to screen out livestock in

including Italy, 99% of human brucellosis is caused by farms, Units established under different scheme and

B. melitensis [8]. The prevalence of human brucellosis many private farms including all flocks from where

acquired from dairy products in some countries is abortions that proves positive on Rose Bengal Plate test

(RBPT).

Keeping in view, the above facts, this serological

survey of brucellosis through RBPT and Standard Tube

www.veterinaryworld.org 530

doi:10.5455/vetworld.2013.530-533

Seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep of organized and unorganized

sector of Kashmir valley

Iram Mushtaq Lone, M. Ashraf Baba, M. Maroof Shah, Asif Iqbal and Aabeen Sakina

Disease Investigation Laboratory,

Nowshera, Srinagar, Department of Sheep Husbandry, Kashmir, J & K, India

Corresponding author: email:irammushtaq13@gmail.com

Received: 28-03-2013, Revised: 12-04-2013, Accepted: 14-04-2013, Published online: 24-05-2013

Iram Mushtaq Lone

Abstract

Aim: A seroprevalence study of brucellosis in sheep was conducted from April 2010 to April 2012 from both organized and

unorganized sectors of the Kashmir valley.

Materials and Methods: A total of 6615 sera samples were tested by Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) and Standard Tube

Agglutination Test (STAT).

Results: The overall seropositivity revealed 6.50 % of prevalence of brucellosis. Higher prevalence (14.14%) of brucellosis

was recorded in unorganized sector as compared organized sector (3.23%).

Keywords: brucellosis, Kashmir, seroprevalence, sheep

This article is an open access article licensed under the terms of the

Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.

org/licenses/by/2.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution

and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited.

www.veterinaryworld.org 531

doi:10.5455/vetworld.2013.530-533

Agglutination Test (STAT) in sheep kept at various antigen obtained from IVRI, Izatnagar was used for the

government and private farms in Kashmir valley has test. As per the guidelines, the sera from animals

been described, to assess the current status of the positive by RBPT and SAT, and showing 40 IU/ml or

disease in the region. above titre were considered as positive, whereas 20

IU/ml was considered as doubtful.

Materials and Methods

Results and Discussion

The study was carried out through the period from

April, 2010 to April, 2012 on different Government Sera of 6615 sheep were analyzed and the

sheep breeding farms and field organizations prevalence of brucellosis was recorded by RBPT and

representing Kashmir valley. Though the samples from STAT. The overall prevalence of brucellosis recorded

Brucella hot spots were initially received in greater in sheep was 6.50%. Similar prevalence was earlier

quantity, randomization of sample was done by reported [22, 23, 24, 25]. However higher prevalence

collecting samples from widely spaced villages and of brucellosis was recorded elsewhere [26, 27]. This

from different breeders and flocks of different districts. may be due to variation in the environment, sex, age,

Samples from north, south, eastern and western parts of breed and other factors.

Kashmir valley were taken mostly from units In this study, the prevalence of brucellosis was

established by the Department (Figure-1). As the units recorded higher (14.14%) in unorganized sector as to

are widely separated and in different districts they are compared (3.23%) organized sector (Table 1 and 2).

largely represent general picture though it can't be The findings are in the agreement with earlier

claimed that the present study is quite exhaustive. It observation [25]. The lesser incidence of the organized

needs to be supplemented by further studies especially sector may be due to good and controlled managemental

screening of herds, instead of only a group of animals, practices and screening of male animals for brucellosis

as brucellosis is a herd problem and may be confined to before letting them for breeding. The findings of the

particular pockets. The fact that the study is based on present study suggest that Brucella infection may also

two year time further randomizes our sample as be present in the native sheep of the valley. To prevent

unnoticed cases often result in quick horizontal spread this, regular screening of the newly introduced rams for

and within two year, the flock is expected to show crossbreeding should be carried out.

evidence of infections. A total of 6615 sheep serum The prevalence of brucellosis at Govt. sheep

samples were randomly collected from both organized farms varied from 0.83% at Dachigham to 7.23% at

and unorganized farms through out Kashmir valley. Kewa, while as in the unorganized (field organizations)

Serum samples were collected from a total of five sector the prevalence rate varied from 4.87% in district

established Government breeding farms (4635) from Budgam to 19.81% in district Shopian (district

organized sector having mainly crossbred population Pulwama and Kupwara were not considered as the

as well as from all the eight district extension samples were less than 100). Increased prevalence in

organizations (1980) of the valley. Serum samples unorganized sector is attributable to certain hot spots

were tested by Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) and where brucellosis had affected huge percentage of

Standard Tube Agglutination Test (STAT)" employing animals in the flocks screened. Amongst the

standard procedures [21] (Figure-2). B. abortus plain government sponsored units in the districts only two

Figure-1. Map showing brucellosis affected areas of kashmir valley

Figure-2. RBPT negative (left) and

positive (right)

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doi:10.5455/vetworld.2013.530-533

showed significant presence of brucellosis. It was appropriate diagnostic laboratories on the basis of

assumed that herds from which no reports of abortions adopted standards of the OIE, bringing appropriate

came in last three years were free from it but for studies veterinary legislation and animal health policies, is also

a few small herds (consisting of more than 20 animals) important. Farmers need to be compensated for

too were screened fully. Thus our consideration of data brucella positive animals so that cull and slaughter

from fully affected herds doesn't affect our sampling policy could be implemented and significant control

fairness as we took highly affected, completely achieved. There is a need for systematic control

unaffected and little affected herds that had reportedly programme that should involve large scale testing,

suffered a case or two of abortion in last three years. As culling, implementation of controlled breeding

the source of infection is often a ram which may pick up strategies and lastly vaccination. The need for work on

infection anywhere in the field and not necessarily indigenous vaccine is also strongly felt as part of long

from the farms from which it is supplied, tested against term control policy.

brucellosis before releasing for breeding in the field, Authors’ contribution

we can attribute the relatively higher percentage in All authors contributed equally in planning and

certain selected districts to infected rams that have designing the study, collection of samples from field

escaped detection. Absence of strict cull and slaughter and farms, analysis of samples in laboratory and

policy has compelled breeders to retain infected compilation of data. All authors were involved in

animals or sell to others as there is no compensation to drafting, revision and approval of the final manuscript.

farmers presently available if they decide to cull

infected animals. The question of pattern of prevalence Acknowledgments

of brucellosis needs further study. The authors are grateful to the Deputy Director,

Conclusion Research and Director, Sheep Husbandry Kashmir, for

providing fund and necessary facilities for this study.

Our results could make a useful contribution

towards preventing brucellosis in small ruminants and Competing interests

decreasing losses in the livestock industry. More The authors declare that they have no competing interest.

attention should be paid towards implementing a

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Sr. No District Total no. of samples Samples positive % prevalence

1 Srinagar 438 80 18.26

2 Budgam 246 12 4.87

3 Ganderbal 458 72 15.72

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1 Goabal 780 29 3.71

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3 Kralpathri 1060 43 4.05

4 Daksum 1945 47 2.41

5 Kewa 373 27 7.23

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Mar 2022

Small ruminant rearing is the core activity of the economically weaker sections in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The state has a rich diversity of sheep genetic resources. However, concerning wool traits, the production potential of these breeds was poor. Accordingly, crossbreeding was taken up the breeding policy to improve the genetic worth of these breeds. As a result, a fast-growing and fine wool-producing sheep strain Kashmir Merino was developed. The present article summarizes the performance of this important synthetic sheep strain in the temperate region of Jammu and Kashmir. The overall least square means (inch) of 9.90±0.15, 4.35±0.03, 2.72±0.06, 24.07±0.11, 27.68±0.12, 33.70±0.16, 38.92±0.09 and 13.33±0.10 for FL (face length), EL (ear length), EB (ear breadth), BL (body length), WH (height at withers), HG (chest girth), PG (paunch girth) and TL (tail length), respectively. Was reported the maximum average body weight at birth, weaning, 6, 12, and 24 months of age reported was 3.66±0.05, 21.80±0.15, 20.46±0.09, 28.41±0.13, and 28.07±0.49 kg, respectively. Kashmir Merino sheep was seen to produce 2.72 kg of greasy fleece per annum with a fiber diameter of 18-22 µ. The estimates of greasy fleece yield of first clip (GFY-1), staple length (SL), f iber diameter (FD), crimps per cm (CPC), and medullation were 0.82±0.03 to 1.20±0.02 kg, 3.43±0.10 to 5.22±0.11 cm, 20.04±0.02 to 20.99±0.08 µ, 4.35±0.02 to 4.87±0.20 and 0.10±0.01%, respectively for Kashmir Merino sheep. T he average age and body weight at first mating were 493.54±11.17 days and 29.52±0.28 kg, respectively. Fasciolosis, sheep pox, brucellosis, and gastrointestinal parasitism were reported to be among the main threats responsible for high economic losses in Kashmir Merino sheep. The fodders scarcity during winters, lack of awareness among farmers, non-availability of proven sires, small flock size, lack of infrastructure, and non-availability of digital records were reported among major constraints in exploiting the genetic worth of Kashmir Merino sheep. However, owing to the high production potential of this breed, its conservation, and selective breeding are highly recommended and there is a need for further research to understand the potential of this breed more comprehensively.

First study of Brucella ovis antibodies in purebred sheep flocks in the State of Parana, Brazil

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2021
ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO

Brucella ovis, a non-zoonotic species, is the etiological agent of ovine brucellosis, an infectious disease of clinical or subclinical occurrence in sheep flocks. Until then, there is no serological study of anti-Brucella ovis antibodies in purebred sheep herds. This study aimed to determine the presence of anti-Brucella ovis antibodies in purebred sheep flocks with breeding purposes from Parana State. Blood samples from 728 animals, of which 563 were females and 165 males, between 8 and 56 months of age from the six major sheep producing mesoregions of Parana, were submitted to detection of anti-Brucella ovis antibodies by the Agar Gel Immunodiffusion technique using an antigen from the bacteria Brucella ovis (Reo 198). The results indicate the presence of this disease in purebred sheep from Parana State in a low occurrence of 0.27% (2/728). The only two positive animals were rams, Santa Inês breed, from the same flock in the East Center region of Parana, without clinical disease. In conclusion, Brucella ovis is present in purebred sheep in Parana State, Brazil, and this low occurrence may have occurred due to rigorous breeding systems that may contribute to reduce the transmission of this disease.

Kashmir Merino: The Pride of Kashmir

Article

Full-text available

May 2021

Sero-incidence of brucellosis in small ruminants of semiarid Rajasthan

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2011

The present study was taken up to ascertain the prevalence of brucellosis in sheep and goats of semiarid region of Rajasthan by Rose Bengal Plate Test and commercially available ELISA kit. RBPT detected brucella antibodies in 94 (8.82%) out of 1065 and ELISA in 118 (11.47%) out of 472 sheep serum samples tested. The highest seroprevalence was recorded in Tonk (24.47% and 43.29%), followed by Ajmer district (11.16% and 14.06%) by RBPT and ELISA, respectively. RBPT detected Brucella antibodies in 12 (1.65%) out of 723 and ELISA detected 19 (4.67%) out of 406 goat serum samples. The incidence in Tonk district was 1.31% and 10.44%, in Ajmer 2.20% and 2.63%, in Bundi 1.75% and 1.85%, and in Bhilwara 3.4% and 5.47%, by RBPT and ELISA, respectively. The combined incidence in sheep and goats of semiarid Rajasthan was 5.92% by RBPT and 15.6% by ELISA. Our results showed higher seroprevalences in small ruminants of Tonk, Bhilwara and Ajmer districts. There is a need to screen human population dealing with husbandry, health and marketing of small ruminants and to develop effective control and prevention strategies for sheep and goats of this area against brucellosis.

Identification of biovars of Brucella abortus in aborted cattle and buffaloes herd in Sri Lanka

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2011

Roshan Priyantha MADALAGAMA Appuhamilage

Bovine brucellosis is an endemic disease in Sri Lanka, caused by Brucella abortus and had been reported all part of the country for last six decades. Since available biovar is still unknown, the objective of the study was to identify the biovar of B.abortus from sporadically aborted cattle and buffaloes. Samples were collected from 18 aborted herds out of 19 herds of Cattle and Buffaloes in the year 2010. Rose Bengal plate test and Compliment Fixation test were carried out. Milk, vaginal swabs, placental contents and aborted fetus were collected and cultured by conventional bacteriological methods. The detection of biovars were based on growth on Thionin and Bacto fuschin,CO requirement, H S 2 2 production, serum agglutination with Brucella negative, A,M and R reference antiserum. Eighteen herds investigated out of 19 herds reported, 11 herds were serologically positive for brucellosis (61.11%) and only Brucella abortus were isolated from 8 individuals from six herds. All were identified as Biovar 3 of Brucella abortus.

Comparative efficacy of conventional diagnostic methods and evaluation of polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of bovine brucellosis

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2010
Vet. World

The comparative efficacy of Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Milk Ring test (MRT) was calculated in terms of sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of bovine brucellosis in cows (Group A) and buffaloes (Group B) from Lahore and Okara districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Using bacterial growth as a gold standard RBPT showed high sensitivity values of 100% in both groups. While its specificity was 96.29% (Group A) and 90.62% (Group B). On the other hands MRT showed low sensitivity (80.0% in Group A; 86.6% in Group B) while its specificity was 100% in all the animals of both groups. The calculated positive predictive and negative predictive values of both groups were in correspondence with their specificity and sensitivity values respectively. High sensitivity and low specificity of RBPT as compare to high specificity and low sensitivity of MRT in all groups suggested the poor efficacy of both tests used individually as compare to bacterial growth. In the continuation of this study polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was evaluated for its diagnostic efficacy of quick Brucella abortus isolation from same samples. PCR conducted on serum samples gave more positive results than on milk samples. Therefore, the combination of both conventional tests alongwith serum PCR can be recommended. [Vet. World 2010; 3(2.000): 53-56]

Is Family Screening Necessary in Brucellosis?

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2008

Brucellosis is an endemic disease in Turkey. Simultaneous infections among family members consuming infected dairy products have been reported. The most frequent signs and symptoms are nonspecific, and most human cases remain unrecognized. We aimed to screen family members of index cases with brucellosis. A questionnaire including demographical and epidemiological data was obtained. All cases were tested by slide agglutination tests (Rose Bengal test). Seropositive ones were further tested by tube agglutination tests (Wrigth test). In the index cases, Brucella antibody titers of ≥ 1:160 with and without clinical symptoms and 1:80 with clinical symptoms were considered positive and the household members were enrolled into the study. Twenty-eigth index cases were identified among a total of 110 family members. Among family members, 90 (82%) were seronegative whereas 20 were seropositive. Among seropositive cases, 12 were asymptomatic and 8 were symptomatic. The most frequent symptoms of the index cases were fever, headache and arthralgia. Symptomatic cases were treated and asymptomatic ones followed up without therapy for a period of 6–12 months and none developed brucellosis. In conclusion, family members of the patients with brucellosis are under the increased risk of brucellosis because of a common source. Therefore, it can be considered that family screening may lead to early diagnosis of the disease and to the prevention of the complications.

Economic Analysis of Diseases and their Control

Article

Dec 1995
PREV VET MED

Animal Health Economics is a relatively new discipline, which is progressively developing a solid framework of concepts, procedures, and data to support the decision-making process in optimizing animal health management. Research in this field primarily deals with three interrelated aspects: (1) quantifying the financial effects of animal disease, (2) developing methods for optimizing decisions when individual animals, herds or populations are affected, and (3) determining the costs and benefits of disease control measures. In the paper the four most common economic modelling techniques (i.e. partial budgeting, cost-benefit analysis, decision analysis, and systems simulation) are described and applied on three levels of veterinary decision making: the animal, herd, and national level. Outcomes so far are summarized, and shortcomings indicated and discussed. The importance of a close link between economics and epidemiology is stressed for future development, as well as the need and possibilities for an international exchange of models and procedures.

Brucellosis

Article

Oct 2008
JAVMA-J AM VET MED A

Sero-epidemiologic investigations on brucellosis in the states of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) and Delhi (India)

Article

Jan 1980

Sero-prevalence of brucellosis in man and animals was studied during the years 1976 and 1977. Samples were collected from Hospitals/slaughter houses/livestock farms located in Delhi and different districts of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.). The sera samples tested were from 1685 men, 1607 goats, 438 sheep, 244 pigs, 361 cattle, 551 buffalos, 50 dogs, 318 equine and 43 free living animals. The percentage of seropositivity, excluding doubtful ones, was recorded as: man 0.89, goat 5.53, sheep 3.42, pigs 15.98, cattle 6.37 buffalo 4.9 and equine 12.89. Additionally an evidence of agglutinins was also detected in a python serum sample. It was observed that occupation, age, sex and season had a bearing on the prevalence of the disease.

Economic evaluation of bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis eradication programmes in a mountain area of Spain

Article

Jun 1997
PREV VET MED

We applied social cost-benefit analysis to the economic evaluation of the bovine brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis eradication programmes carried out by the public eradication authority for mountain areas in the Spanish Central Pyrenees. We considered only the effects on animal health and production. We also evaluated several hypotheses corresponding to the different sanitary situations of two valleys studied. The results were different for the two disease programmes. The brucellosis programme was economically efficient over a sufficiently long time frame, but the bovine tuberculosis programme was not. A factor having the greatest influence on the economic efficiency of the programmes was the initial prevalence of the disease in the two valleys studied. The greater this was, the more difficult it was to obtain positive net benefits; this was due the initially high compensation paid for the slaughter of animals testing positive for the disease. The relatively small animal health and production returns derived from the tuberculosis programme explained it's failure to generate positive economic results. The fact that the economic evaluation resulted in unfavourable outcomes is not in itself justification for project termination, because the benefits to the wider community through the prevention of zoonosis were not considered in this analysis.

Brucellosis Control in Saudi Arabia: Prospects and Challenges

Article

May 2001

Ziad Memish

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution. Despite its control in many developed countries the disease remains endemic in Saudi Arabia where the national seroprevalence of the disease is 15%. In Saudi Arabia the disease is introduced through uncontrolled importation of animals that are poorly screened for the disease. Every year the Kingdom imports a few million heads of sheep and goats for sacrifice during Hajj from Africa, India, and Autstralia. Brucella melitensis remains the principle cause of human brucellosis in Saudi Arabia, causing 88-93% of the cases. Recent national statistics indicate that the disease incidence in humans is close to 40 cases per 100,000. The eradication of human brucellosis in Saudi Arabia will ultimately depend on the eradication of animal brucellosis. There is an urgent need for a national program for controlling brucellosis in the Kingdom. The components of this program will include recruitment and training of qualified veterinarians, development of an adequate number of animal quarantine centers and implementing legislation to control marketing and movement of animals.

Epidemiology of ovine brucellosis in Awassi sheep in Northern Jordan

Article

Oct 2003
PREV VET MED

We used a combined cross-sectional and longitudinal design to estimate seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in Awassi sheep and the incidence of abortion due to brucellosis during one lambing season, and to test risk factors. The Brucella organisms isolated from aborted fetuses and vaginal swabs were characterized as Brucella melitensis biotype 3. Seventy Awassi sheep flocks were selected randomly from Northern Jordan. Sixty two of the 70 flocks were used in the cross-sectional study and 8 flocks were monitored for three consecutive months to estimate the incidence of abortion. Questionnaire data and 602 serum samples were collected and analyzed. Thirty five flocks (56%) were brucellosis-seropositive by the Rose Bengal plate-agglutination test (RBT) and 28 (45%) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The crude seroprevalence of brucellosis at the individual-animal level was 14.3% by RBT, 7.2% by ELISA and 2.2% using both tests in series. The flock-specific, animal-level abortion risk ranged between 2.5 and 50% (median=22.6%). The flock brucellosis-status was used as the outcome variable in a multivariable logistic regression. Grazing at communal pasture increased odds, but usage of disinfectants, previous vaccination for brucellosis, and tap water were protective. The animal-level incidence of abortion was 20% and the specific incidence risk of abortion due to brucellosis was 13%.