Abstract

A serological survey was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in livestock workers at Maiduguri cattle market, Borno State, Nigeria. A total of 100 serum samples comprising 40 from animal handlers, 25 from livestock keepers, 20 from butchers and 15 from middlemen were tested using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) antigen for both Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis. Seroprevalence rate of 11% was detected for B. abortus and 0% for B. melitensis antibodies out of the total sampled. The seroprevalence in animal handlers, livestock keepers, butchers and middlemen were found to be 12.5, 16, 10 and 0%, respectively. All persons screened were males. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between different categories of workers. It was concluded that brucellosis is prevalent in livestock workers at Maiduguri cattle market in Borno State. There should be education of this category of risk group of people especially as it relates to the use of personal protective equipments (PPEs) ante mortem and post mortem outfit and the consumption of unpasteurized milk and milk products. Government should control the disease with appropriate existing laws or new regulations, public health enlightenment, mass vaccination of animals and the establishments of equipped laboratories for regular screening of humans and animals by well trained personnel.

Key words: Brucellosis, livestock workers, Maiduguri, Nigeria, seroprevalence.