Brucella exposure in camels and health impact in Lega Hida, Ethiopia: seroprevalence, risk factors, and public perception

Brucellosis is a communicable zoonotic disease that is endemic in Eastern Africa and other countries, humans contracted this infection from diseased animals. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with brucellosis in dromedary camels and the knowledge, attitude, and practice of camel owners regarding brucellosis at the human-animal interface that could endanger humans in the study area. A cross-sectional study determined the seroprevalence of camel brucellosis in 404 camels. A questionnaire survey involving 120 participants was also conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of camel owners regarding the disease. The seroprevalence of camel brucellosis was estimated as 6% by the Rose Bengal plate test and 0.5% (95% CI: 0.1-1.8) by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Pastoralists are in close contact with their animals, and the consumption of raw milk and handling of abortive material is common, which exposes them to a higher risk of infection. The questionnaire survey indicated that about 40% of respondents had previous knowledge about the disease. Almost, 17% and 40% knew that the disease can be transmitted from camel to humans and between camels, respectively. About 67.5% of the respondents disposed of aborted fetuses and placenta in the open field and 86.7% of the respondents consumed raw milk. This indicates that an awareness campaign is important to equip pastoral communities in the study areas with knowledge about the disease and change their malpractice to protect themselves from brucellosis. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in the study. The present study revealed a low seroprevalence (0.5%). Although the seropositive animals in this study appeared to be healthy, the results indicated that the disease may manifest as a carrier and adversely affect productivity and public health.