Brucella seropositivity in slaughter food animals and role of slaughterhouse workers in spread of Brucella infection in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

The 4.1% suspected seroprevalence of <i>Brucella</i> antibodies in goats represents 128% increase from 1.8% seroprevalence earlier reported in the same species and study area in 2009. Significant amounts of <i>Brucella</i> antibody was detected in the food animals screened. Slaughterhouse workers played significant roles in spread of <i>Brucella</i> infection by their involvement in risk practices and behaviours that facilitate pathogen transmission. Therefore, massive awareness campaign and coordinated brucellosis control program in Enugu State are imperative to forestall the zoonotic and economic consequences associated with brucellosis.