Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

A retrospective sero-epidemiological survey of bovine brucellosis on commercial and communal farming systems in Namibia from 2004 to 2018

  • Regular Articles
  • Published:
Tropical Animal Health and Production Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Cattle production is the major livestock production activity and the mainstay of Namibia’s economy. Sustained beef exports are contingent on a sound sanitary environment where diseases such as brucellosis are under control. In this retrospective study, 49,718 bovine brucellosis testing results from 2004 to 2018 were analyzed to determine the proportion of sero-positive cattle and herds, and the spatial distribution of positive reactors from commercial and communal areas. In total, 244 positive reactors were identified based on the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and the Complement Fixation Test (CFT) in series, giving an overall proportion of infected animals of 0.49% (244/49,718; 95% CI, 0.43–0.56%) and an overall proportion of infected herds of 9.26% (78/842; 95% CI, 7.49–11.41%). There was a higher proportion of sero-positive communal herds (33.09%) and cattle (10.27%) than commercial herds (4.67%) and cattle (0.24%; p < 0.05). Annually, the proportion of positive reactors was 0–1.37% in the commercial area and 0–52.38% in the communal areas, with a clear decline in positive reactors in the communal areas. Within the commercial sector, the proportion of positive reactor dairy, beef, and export cattle was 0.19% (51/27,067; 95% CI, 0.14–0.25%), 0.30% (48/16,098; 95% CI, 0.22–0.40%), and 0.33% (16/4811; 95% CI, 0.20–0.54%), respectively. Abortions were found to be the major reason for Brucella testing in the communal areas. About 12.65% (96/759) of abortion-linked sera tested positive in the communal areas, but none were positive in beef or dairy cattle. Widespread vaccination of cattle and robust planned surveillance is recommended to reduce the incidence of the disease, its associated production losses and public health risk.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abdullah, A.H., Bashir, U.M., Rafiqul, I.M., Cho, H-S. and Mukter, H.M., 2014. Serological prevalence of brucellosis of cattle in selected dairy farms in Bangladesh, Korean Journal of Veterinary Research, 54, 239–243. 10.14405/kjvr.2014.54.4.239.

  • AHR, 2018. Animal Health Regulations of the Animal Health Act 1 of 2011 (Government Notice 358 of 2018). https://laws.parliament.na/cms_documents/animal-health-act-1-of-2011%2D%2D-regulations-2018-358-d37ff9f7a0.pdf.

  • Alhaji, N.B., Wungak, Y.S. and Bertu, W.J., 2016. Serological survey of bovine brucellosis in Fulani nomadic cattle breeds (Bos indicus) of North-central Nigeria: potential risk factors and zoonotic implications, Acta Tropica, 153, 28–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.10.003.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Alton, G., 1991. Brucella melitensis. In: J.F. Frank (eds), Networking in brucellosis research. United Nations University Press, 205–216.

  • Asgedom, H., Damena, D. and Duguma, R., 2016. Seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis and associated risk factors in and around Alage district, Ethiopia. Springerplus, 5, 851. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40064-016-2547-0.

  • Asmare, K., Sibhat, B., Molla, W., Ayelet, G., Shiferaw, J., Martin, A.D., Skjerve, E. and Godfroid, J., 2013. The status of bovine brucellosis in Ethiopia with special emphasis on exotic and cross bred cattle in dairy and breeding farms, Acta Tropica, 126, 186-192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.02.015.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bercovich, Z., 1998. Maintenance of Brucella abortus free herds: a review with emphasis on epidemiology and the problems of diagnosing brucellosis in areas of low prevalence. Veterinary Quarterly, 20, 81-88.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Boukary, A.R., Saegerman, C., Abatih, E., Fretin, D., Alambédji Bada, R., De Deken, R., Harouna, H.A., Yenikoye, A. and Thys, E., 2013. Seroprevalence and potential risk factors for Brucella spp. infection in traditional cattle, sheep and goats reared in urban, periurban and rural areas of Niger, PLoS One, 8, e83175. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0083175.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cadmus, S.I.B., Adesokan, H.K. and Stack, J., 2008. The use of the milk ring test and Rose Bengal test in brucellosis control and eradication in Nigeria, Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 79, 113–115.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Catlin, J.E. and Sheehan, E.J., 1986. Transmission of bovine brucellosis from dam to offspring. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 188, 867–869.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Corbel, M.J., 1997. Brucellosis: an overview, Emerging Infectious Diseases, 3, 213.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Corbel, M.J., 2006. Brucellosis in humans and animals. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/43597. .

  • Díaz-Aparicio, E., Marín, C., Alonso-Urmeneta, B., Aragón, V., Pérez-Ortiz, S., Pardo, M. and Moriyón, I., 1994. Evaluation of serological tests for diagnosis of Brucella melitensis infection of goats, Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 32, 1159-1165.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dolan, L.A., 1980. Latent carriers of brucellosis, Veterinary Record, 106, 241-243.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dorneles, E.M.S., Sriranganathan, N. and Lage, A.P., 2015. Recent advances in Brucella abortus vaccines, Veterinary Research, 46, 76. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13567-015-0199-7.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • DVS, 1987. Directorate of Veterinary Services Annual Report. South West Africa.

  • EC, 2001. Brucellosis in sheep and goats (Brucella melitensis). https://ec.europa.eu/food/sites/food/files/safety/docs/sci-com_scah_out59_en.pdf. .

  • FAO/WHO, 1986. Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Brucellosis. World Health Organization Technical Report Series, 740, 1-132.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fèvre, E., de Glanville, W., Thomas, L., Cook, E., Kariuki, S. and Wamae, C., 2017. An integrated study of human and animal infectious disease in the Lake Victoria crescent small-holder crop-livestock production system, Kenya. BMC Infectious Diseases, 17, 457. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-017-2559-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Geresu, M.A. and Kassa, G.M., 2016. A review on diagnostic methods of brucellosis. Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology, 7, 323. https://doi.org/10.4172/2157-7579.1000323

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Godfroid, J., 2002. Brucellosis in wildlife, Revue Scientifique et Technique-Office International des Épizooties, 21, 277-286.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Godfroid, J., Bosman, P.P., Herr, S. and Bishop, G.C., 2019. Bovine brucellosis In: J.A.W. Coetzer, G.R. Thomson, N.J. Maclachlan and M.L. Penrith (eds), Infectious diseases of livestock, part 3. https://anipedia.org/resources/bovine-brucellosis/922. .

    Google Scholar 

  • Gomo, C., De Garine-Wichatitsky, M., Caron, A. and Pfukenyi, D., 2012. Survey of brucellosis at the wildlife livestock interface on the Zimbabwean side of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area, Tropical Animal Health and Production, 44, 77-85.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hesterberg, U.W., Bagnall, R., Perrett, K., Bosch, B., Horner, R. and Gummow, B.A., 2008. Serological prevalence survey of Brucella abortus in cattle of rural communities in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 79, 15–18. https://doi.org/10.4102/jsava.v79i1.234.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hotez, P.J. and Gurwith, M., 2011. Europe’s neglected infections of poverty, International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 15, 611–619. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2011.05.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ibrahim, N., Belihu, K., Lobago, F. and Bekena, M., 2010. Sero-prevalence of bovine brucellosis and risk factors in Jimma zone of Oromia Region, South-western Ethiopia, Tropical Animal Health and Production, 42, 35–40. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-009-9382-z.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Info-Namibia, 2019. Namibia-General information. https://www.info-namibia.com/info/general-information. .

  • La Praik, R.D., Brown, D.D., Mann, H. and Brand, T., 1975. Brucellosis: a study of five calves from reactor dams, Veterinary Record, 97, 52–54. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.97.3.52.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • La Praik, R.D. and Moffat, R., 1982. Latent bovine brucellosis, Veterinary Record, 111, 578–579. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.111.25-26.578.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Madsen, M., 1989. The current status of brucellosis in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe Veterinary Journal, 20, 133-145.

    Google Scholar 

  • Madzima, W.M., 1987. Zimbabwe. Bovine brucellosis and brucellosis of small ruminants: diagnosis, control and vaccination. Revue Scientifique et Technique-Office International des Épizooties, 6, 80–82.

    Google Scholar 

  • Madzingira, O. and McCrindle, C., 2014. Prevalence of Brucella antibodies in sheep and springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) reared together in the Karas Region, Namibia, Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa, 62, 299-306.

    Google Scholar 

  • Madzingira, O. and McCrindle, C., 2015. Retrospective analysis of the prevalence of Brucella antibodies in sheep in the Karas Region of Namibia, Tropical Animal Health and Production, 47, 1117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-015-0838-z.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Madzingira, O. and McCrindle, C., 2016. A questionnaire survey of risk factors of brucellosis on mixed sheep and springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) farms. International Science and Technology Journal of Namibia, 8, 43-49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Madzingira, O. and Sezuni, M.P., 2017. Serological prevalence and public health significance of brucellosis on a dairy farm in Namibia from 2011-2014. BMC Research Notes, 10, 620. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-017-2933-x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Magwedere, K., Bishi, A., Tjipura-Zaire, G., Eberle, G., Hemberger, Y., Hoffman, L.C. and Dziva, F., 2011. Brucellae through the food chain: the role of sheep, goats and springbok (Antidorcus marsupialis) as sources of human infection in Namibia, Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 82, 205-212.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mai, H.M., Irons, P.C., Kabir, J. and Thompson, P.N., 2012. A large seroprevalence survey of brucellosis in cattle herds under diverse production systems in northern Nigeria, BMC Veterinary Research, 8, 144-158.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mainar-Jaime R.C., Muñoz P.M., de Miguel M.J., Grilló M.J., Marín C.M., Moriyón I. et al. , 2005, ‘Specificity dependence between serological tests for diagnosing bovine brucellosis in Brucella-free farms showing false positive serological reactions due to Yersinia enterocolitica O:9’, The Canadian Veterinary Journal 46(10), 913–916.

    Google Scholar 

  • Makita, K., Févre, M.E., Waiswa, C., Eisler, M., Thrusfield, M. and Wellburn, S.C., 2011. Herd prevalence of bovine brucellosis and analysis of risk factors in cattle in urban and peri-urban areas of the Kampala economic zone, Uganda, BMC Veterinary Research, 7, 60. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-6148-7-60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mangen, M., Otte, J., Pfeiffer, D. and Chilonda P., 2002. Bovine brucellosis in sub-saharan Africa: estimation of seroprevalence and impact on meat and milk offtake potential. Livestock Policy Discussion Paper No. 8. Food and Agriculture Organisation: Rome. http://www.fao.org/3/a-ag274e.pdf. .

  • Matope, G., Bhebhe, E., Muma, J.B., Oloya, J., Madekurozwa, R.L., Lund, A. and Skjerve, E., 2011. Seroprevalence of brucellosis and its risk factors in cattle from smallholder dairy farms in Zimbabwe, Tropical Animal Health and Production, 43, 975-979.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDermott, J. and Arimi, S., 2002. Brucellosis in sub-Saharan Africa: epidemiology, control and impact, Veterinary Microbiology, 90, 111-134.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDermott, J., Grace, D. and Zinsstag, J., 2013. Economics of brucellosis impact and control in low-income countries, Revue Scientifique et Technique-Office International des Épizooties, 32, 249–261.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mekonnen, H., Kalayou, S. and Kyule, M., 2010. Serological survey of bovine brucellosis in Barka and Arado breeds (Bos indicus) of Western Tigray, Ethiopia, Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 94, 28–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mohan, K., Makaya, P.V., Muvavarirwa, P., Matope, G., Mahembe, E. and Pawandiwa, A., 1996. Brucellosis surveillance and control in Zimbabwe: bacteriological and serological investigation in dairy herds, Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 63, 47-51.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Muma, J.B., Godfroid, J., Samui, K.L. and Skjerve, E., 2007a. The role of Brucella infection in abortions among traditional cattle reared in proximity to wildlife on the Kafue flats of Zambia. Revue Scientifique et Technique-Office International des Épizooties, 26:721–730.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Muma, J.B., Samui, K.L., Oloya, J., Munyeme, M. and Skjerve, E., 2007b. Risk factors for brucellosis in indigenous cattle reared in livestock–wildlife interface areas of Zambia, Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 80, 306-317.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Muma, J.B., Syakalima, M., Munyeme, M., Zulu, V.C., Simuunza, M. and Kurata, M., 2013. Bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis in traditionally managed livestock in selected districts of southern province of Zambia, Veterinary Medicine International. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/730367.

  • Musa, M.T., Jahans, K.L. and Fadalla, M.E., 1990. Clinical manifestation of brucellosis in cattle of the southern Dafur province, western Sudan, Journal of Comparative Pathology, 103, 95–99.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mushendami, P., Biwa, B. and Gaomab II, M., 2008. Unleashing the potential of the agricultural sector in Namibia. https://www.bon.com.na/CMSTemplates/Bon/Files/bon.com.na/a2/a2d7d502-f176-432e-9fdd-3de89d3dbb92.pdf. .

  • Ndazigaruye, G., Mushonga, B., Kandiwa, E., Samkange, A. and Segwagwe, B. E. 2018. Prevalence and risk factors for brucellosis seropositivity in cattle in Nyagatare District, Eastern Province, Rwanda. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 89, 1625. https://doi.org/10.4102/jsava.v89i0.1625

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nicoletti, P., 1980. The epidemiology of bovine brucellosis. Advances in Veterinary Science and Comparative Medicine, 24, 69–98.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ntirandekura, J-B., Matemba, L.E., Kimera, S.I., Muma, J.B. and Karimuribo, E.D., 2018. Association of brucellosis with abortion prevalence in humans and animals in Africa: a review, African Journal of Reproductive Health, 22, 120-136. https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2018/v22i3.13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • OIE, 2004. Office International des Épizooties. Bovine brucellosis. In: Manual of diagnostic tests and vaccines for terrestrial animals. Paris: OIE, 2004, pp. 409–438.

  • Pappas, G., 2010. The changing Brucella ecology: novel reservoirs, new threats, International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 36(Suppl 1), S8-S11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2010.06.013

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Radostits, O.M., Gay, C.C., Blood, C.D. and Hinchcliff, K.W., 2000. Veterinary medicine. A textbook of the disease of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses, 9th edn, (W.B. Saunders Company Ltd: New York).

    Google Scholar 

  • Reiczigel, J., Földi, J., Ózsvári, L., 2010. Exact confidence limits for prevalence of a disease with an imperfect diagnostic test. Epidemiology and Infection, 138, 1674–1678. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0950268810000385.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sacchia, M., Di Provvido, A., Ippoliti, C., Kefle, U., Sebhatu, T.T.D., Angelo, A. and De Massis, F., 2013. Prevalence of brucellosis in dairy farming regions of Eritrea, Onderstepoort, Journal of Veterinary Research, 80, 448. https://doi.org/10.4102/ojvr.v80i1.448

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schelling, E., Diguimbaye, C., Daoud, S., Nicoletti, J., Boerlin, P., Tanner, M. and Zinsstag, J., 2003. Brucellosis and Q-fever seroprevalences of nomadic pastoralists and their livestock in Chad, Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 61, 279–293.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Simpson, G.J.G., Marcotty, T., Rouille, E., Chilundo, A., Letteson, J-J. and Godfroid, J., 2018. Immunological response to Brucella abortus strain 19 vaccination of cattle in a communal area in South Africa, Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 89, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.4102/jsava.v89i0.1527.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tasiame, W., Emikpe, B., Folitse, R.D., Fofie, C.O., Burimuah, V., Johnson, S., Awuni, J.A., Afari, E., Yebuah, N. and Wurapa, F., 2016. The prevalence of brucellosis in cattle and their handlers in North Tongu District, Volta Region, Ghana, African Journal of Infectious Diseases, 10, 111–117. https://doi.org/10.21010/ajid.v10i2.6.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tesfaye, G., Tsegaye, W., Chanie, M. and Abinet, F., 2011. Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of bovine brucellosis in Addis Ababa dairy farms, Tropical Animal Health and Production, 43, 1001–1005. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-011-9798-0.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tschopp, R., Abera, B., Sourou, S.Y., Guerne-Bleich, E., Aseffa, A., Wubete, A., Zinsstag, J. and Young, D., 2013. Bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis prevalence in cattle from selected milk cooperatives in Arsi zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, BMC Veterinary Research, 9, 163. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-6148-9-163.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • WAHIS, 2018. World Animal Health Information System. http://www.oie.int/wahis_2/public/wahid.php/Countryinformation/Animalpopulation. .

  • Walker, R.L., 1999. Brucella. In: D.C. Hirsh and Y.C. Zee (eds), Veterinary microbiology, (Blackwell Science Inc.: USA), 196-203.

    Google Scholar 

  • WHO, 1965. World Health Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia, Seventeenth Annual Report of The Regional Director to the Regional Committee for South-East Asia, New Delhi. http://www.who.int/iris/handle/10665/126772. Accessed 12 March 2020.

  • WHO, 2005. Brucellosis in humans and animals. WHO guidance. In: L. Heymann (ed), Control of communicable diseases manual: an official report of the American Public Health Association, (World Health Organization/America Public Health Association, Washington, DC).

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilesmith, J.W., 1978. The persistence of Brucella abortus infection in calves: a retrospective study of heavily infected herds, Veterinary Record, 103, 149–153. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.103.8.149.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Young, E.H., 1995. An overview of human brucellosis, Clinical Infectious Diseases, 21, 283-289. https://doi.org/10.1093/clinids/21.2.283.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the Directorate of Veterinary Services for authorizing the study and for providing the data used in this study. The University of Namibia provided time and facilities for the researcher to carry out this study.

Funding

This research did not receive funding from any source.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Namibia, Windhoek, P. Bag 13301, Namibia

    Oscar Madzingira, Erick Kandiwa & Frank Chitate

  2. Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases-Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (ECTAD-FAO), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

    Folorunso Oludayo Fasina

  3. Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, P. Bag 12022, Government Office Park, Windhoek, Namibia

    Albertina Musilika-Shilongo

  4. Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa

    Oscar Madzingira, Folorunso Oludayo Fasina & Henriette van Heerden

Authors
  1. Oscar Madzingira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Folorunso Oludayo Fasina
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Erick Kandiwa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Albertina Musilika-Shilongo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Frank Chitate
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Henriette van Heerden
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Oscar Madzingira.

Ethics declarations

The manuscript does not contain clinical studies or patient data.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Madzingira, O., Fasina, F.O., Kandiwa, E. et al. A retrospective sero-epidemiological survey of bovine brucellosis on commercial and communal farming systems in Namibia from 2004 to 2018. Trop Anim Health Prod 52, 3099–3107 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-020-02332-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-020-02332-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation