Brucellosis seroprevalence in livestock in Uganda from 1998 to 2008: a retrospective study

A total of 17,359 samples were analysed serologically, of which 1,061, 15,758 and 585 samples were from Makerere, Entebbe and Tororo laboratories, respectively, were used to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis. The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was 10% while from individual laboratories was 38%, 32% and 7% for Makerere, Entebbe and Tororo laboratories, respectively. Majority of these positive brucellosis test results were in the cattle corridor with P value=0.399. There were significant differences in brucellosis seroprevalence among species (P value=0.014). The trends of brucellosis seroprevalence among the different species were decreasing with time but were highest in bovine species (P value=0.043). Brucellosis seroprevalence had a bimodal monthly pattern corresponding with rainfall. The study showed that brucellosis was prevalent, though the trend of the disease has declined over years. It was recommended that regular disease surveillance, control programmes and further studies be carried out in the country.