A random sample survey of bovine Brucellosis in the State of Paraíba, Brazil

Abstract

A serosurvey was conducted to estimate the prevalence of bovine brucellosis in the State of Paraíba, Brazil. A random sample of six municipalities was selected from each of three ecoregions of the State: the Agreste/Litoral region (1), the Cariri/Curimatau region (2) and the Sertão region (3). These 18 municipalities were divided in quadrants and one herd was selected at random from each quadrant. The sampling scheme included herds with more than 50 bovines, which excludes small-holder subsistence livestock production. At least 32 animals were sampled within each herd, stratified in four age categories, as follows: (1) at least 8 animals under 6 months of age, (2) at least 8 animals of 7 to 18 months of age, (3) at least 8 animals of 19 to 30 months of age and (4) at least 8 animals over 30 months of age. Antibodies to Brucella abortus were observed in 8 out of 18 municipalities (44.44%),in 8 out of 72 herds included in this study (11.11%) and in 8 animals out of 2343 samples collected (0.34%). The prevalence of test positive cattle by ecoregion/cattle production regions in the state showed no significant differences of risk among them. Likewise, there was no significant difference of risk among the different age categories studied. It was observed that brucellosis is widely spread across the state albeit with low animal prevalence. These results may be used in the design of a strategy for controlling bovine brucellosis in the State of Paraíba.