Sero-prevalence of Brucellosis in One-Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Herds In Yobe State, Nigeria

The present study was carried out to survey the seroprevalence of brucellosis in one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) in the five agricultural zones of Yobe State, Northeastern Nigeria. Four hundred (400) camels of between 6 months and 12 years old were sampled. The serum samples were screened for Brucella antibodies by Microtitre Serum Agglutination Test (MSAT). The overall seroprevalence among the camel tested in all the agricultural zones was 106(26.5%), of which 42(10.5%) were male and 64(16.5%) were female camels. There was no significant statistical difference (P>0.05) in the seroprevalence based on sex of the camels in the state. However, there was significant association between the female sex of camel and serological reaction to MSAT (OR = 1.143). Of the 106 positive camels, 8(2.0%) were young while 98 (24.5%) were adults. There was a significant statistical difference (P< 0.05) in the age distribution of Brucella infection in camels with significant statistical association between the adult camel and serological reaction to MSAT (OR =3.141). Brucella infection was reported in all the agricultural zones of the state with significant association between the female sex and Brucella infection. It was concluded that the level of Brucella infection in camels in the state is high and this could be attributed to the low level of veterinary services patronage by the herdsmen and their low level of education.