Incidence and knowledge of bovine brucellosis in Kahuro district, Murang’a County, Kenya
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Date
2017
Authors
Njuguna, Janeffer N.
Gicheru, M. M.
Kamau, Lucy M.
Mbatha, Peter M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springer Verlag
Abstract
Brucellosis in cattle is a zoonosis mainly caused by
Brucella abortus. In Kenya, the disease is widespread, but its
prevalence is largely unknown. The objective of this study
was to investigate incidence rates of brucellosis and farmers’
knowledge on the disease in Kahuro district, Murang’a
County. In this study, 150 pooled milk samples were collected
from 75 milk collection centers and tested. Subsequently, 230
milk samples were collected from farmers in 16 collection
centers in Wangu and Mugoiri divisions whose pooled samples
gave positive results. Five cow owners in each of the 16
collection centers were interviewed using a questionnaire to
assess their knowledge levels. Wangu division had the highest
incidence rate 19% with positive samples observed from 14
collection centers. Mugoiri division recorded 3% with two
collection centers having positive samples, while
Murarandia had none. All respondents with no formal education
were unaware of the causative agent of brucellosis. There
was a significant difference in incidence between Mugoiri and
Wangu divisions (p < 0.05). Knowledge levels were high in
the young and educated farmers compared to the old and uneducated.
Frequent screening for brucellosis to identify infected
animals should be initiated thus prevent transmission to
other animals and humans.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Brucellosis, Zoonosis, Transmission and incidence
Citation
Njuguna, J.N., Gicheru, M.M., Kamau, L.M. et al. Trop Anim Health Prod (2017) 49: 1035. doi:10.1007/s11250-017-1296-6