Sero-prevalence of brucella abortus antibodies in slaughtered cattle and meat by-product handlers in Ilorin abattior, Kwara state – Nigeria
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Date
2012-03-28
Journal Title
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Publisher
Prime Journal of Microbiology Research (PJMR)
Abstract
Growing concern over the increasing number of women participation in post slaughter and meat by- product
processing in Ilorin slaughter slab necessitated this study over a three month period in the year 2011. This was
to establish the occurrence and possible effect of Brucella abortus infected blood on this vulnerable group.
Sera obtained randomly from blood of slaughtered cattle fortnightly were screened for Brucella abortus
antibodies using Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) and Microtitre Serum Agglutination test (MSAT) in accordance
with standard methods. Out of the total of 261 cattle screened 10 (3.8%) were positive with 6 (2.3%) cows and 4
(1.5%) bulls. Amongst these positive cattle, white Fulani (Bunaji) breed showed the most infected 8(3.0%) and 2
(0.8%) in Sokoto gudali (Bokoloji) breed. Further analysis of sera by MSAT showed all the 3 (1.1%) positive were
female white Fulani cattle. Cattle breed and sex showed association with the disease. Oral interview with a
cross section of these women revealed that blood collected is processed into various meals for fish, pigs,
dogs, poultry and the human delicacy popularly called “siki” as means of revenue generation and livelihood.
Attempts to collect blood specimens from these workers for Brucella antibody screening yielded no positive
efforts. In conclusion, this finding indicates the occurrence of Brucella abortus in cattle and by implication the
possibility of transmission to these women and other domestic animals. Public awareness especially amongst
vulnerable group on the potential dangers as well as creating and promoting women entrepreneurship in other
economic sectors that have minimal occupational health risk factors is thus recommended.
Description
Keywords
sero-prevalence, Brucella abortus antibodies, slaughtered cattle, meat by-product handlers, Ilorin kwara state.