Background: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with economic and public health impact, particularly for human and animal populations within developing countries that relay on livestock production.
Objectives: The present study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of and risk factors for bovine brucellosis.
Methods: In total, 2231 cattle of different ages and sexes selected from 291 herds, across the four districts of Mostaganem province, northwestern Algeria, were blood sampled. Rose Bengal Plate Test and complement fixation test were used for detection of antibodies against Brucella species.
Results: From the results 48 cattle (2.15%) were positive by Rose Bengal plate test, while 32(1.43%) were positive with complement fixation test. The infection rate was higher in females than males. Cattle older than 3 years had a higher prevalence rate compared to age groups 2-3 years, and 1-2 years. The prevalence rate was higher in cattle densely populated locations. Purchase of animals without prior diagnosis, lack of awareness and routine milk testing were found as other potential risk factors for transmission of disease.
Conclusions: This warrants the need of integrated intervention strategies to minimize the spread of the disease in animals and reduce the risk of transmission to humans.