Abstract of research

SEROLOGICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL MONITORING OF RUMINANT BRUCELLOSIS IN SEVEN GOVERNORATES WITH CONTROL PROGRAM FOLLOW-UP IN THREE CATTLE FARMS

Abdel Hamid, N.H.a, Ebeid, M.H.b, Arnaout, F.K.b, Elgarhy, M.M.c, Elbauomy, E.M.a, Hanaa A. Ahmed d and Sayour, A.E.a

Abstract

This study screened the Brucella epidemiological status of ruminants in seven governorates by serological, bacteriological and molecular means. Percentages of serologically positive cases in the governorates Beheira, Monofia, Beni Suef, Assuit, Sharkia, Gharbia and Giza were 23.2%, 18.4%, 18.2%, 17.2%, 11.2%, 9.9% and 6.8% respectively. Serological percentages of positive ruminants of 14.57%, 10%, 25.4%, 30.9%, 6.9% and 3.9% were recorded among 549 cows, 338 buffalo cows, 404 ewes, 336 goats, 217 bulls and 152 buffalo bulls respectively from such governorates. Forty three field isolates of Brucella melitensis biovar 3, as confirmed by phenotypic bacteriological identification at the genus, species and biovar levels in addition to molecular identification of Brucella isolates at the species level by multiplex PCR, were recovered from specimens of 101 cows, 70 buffaloes, 116 ewes, 123 goats, 64 bulls and 34 buffalo bulls. The corresponding rates of Brucella detection from animals were 10.9%, 10%, 7.8%, 10.6%, 3.1% and 2.9% respectively. In an evaluation for the application of test and slaughter policy as a means for brucellosis control without vaccination, animals in three infected cattle farms were serologically examined at 3-week intervals until giving 3 successive negative results.