Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

SERO-PREVALENCE AND HEMATOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF BOVINE BRUCELLOSIS UNDER EXTREME ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS

Aamir Shehzad, Awais Masud, Tabassam Fatima, S. Bibi and Fedik Abdul Rantam

Abstract

This study evaluated the prevalence of brucellosis in bovines under extreme ecological conditions. Rose Bengal Plate Agglutination Test (RBPT) and Serum Agglutination Test (SAT) and hematology used to study the prevalence of Brucella. A total of 949 bovines (n=234 buffaloes; n=715 cattle) tested. The results of RBPT showed 31 animals positive for Brucella. RBPT positive samples subjected to SAT, and only ten were found positive. Cattle and buffaloes found positive with RBPT showed a significant decrease in the values of Haemoglobin (Hb) and lymphocytes. Significant decrease in PCV, TEC, lymphocytes, and an increase in monocytes observed in cattle only. Chi-square test and Student’s t-test and service solutions (SPSS) used for statistical analysis. The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was found to be 3.27% and 32.26% by RBPT and SAT, respectively. RBPT was found more sensitive, and less specific as compared to SAT. Area-wise prevalence of brucellosis indicated significantly difference among the different areas. Moreover, higher prevalence of brucellosis observed in buffaloes than in cattle. Hematological abnormalities also observed in infected animals. This research describes changes in hematological parameters both in brucellosis positive cattle and buffaloes at Livestock forms and small domestic herds under extreme ecological conditions. More work is required to elucidate the impact of brucellosis on serum chemistry, immune-modulatory features and hormonal profile in cattle and buffaloes.