Comparative Seroprevalence of Brucella Antibodies in Apparently Healthy Sheep and Goats in a Rural District of Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background Brucellosis, caused by bacterial pathogens of the genus Brucella, is a chronic zoonotic disease affecting small ruminants such as sheep and goats. This study evaluated and compared the seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies among apparently healthy sheep and goats in Vwang District, Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Methodology A cross‐sectional study design was employed from May to June 2024. A total of 140 serum samples collected from goats (n = 77) and sheep (n = 63) using systematic random sampling across four administrative wards were screened for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and confirmed via the Complement Fixation Test (CFT). Results Overall, 8 out of 140 samples (5.71%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.50%–10.95%) were reactive on RBPT screening. Upon confirmatory testing with CFT, 6 samples were validated, yielding an overall CFT‐confirmed seroprevalence of 4.29% (95% CI: 1.59−9.09%). Seroprevalence was higher in sheep (6.35%, 95% CI: 1.76−15.47%) than in goats (2.60%, 95% CI: 0.32−9.07%); higher in females (4.95%, 95% CI: 1.63−11.18%) than in males (2.56%, 95% CI: 0.06−13.48%); and restricted to animals older than 18 months (6.74%, 95% CI: 2.51−14.10%) compared with younger ones (0.00%, 95% CI: 0.00−6.98%). Geographically, the Turu B Ward recorded the highest seroprevalence (5.88%, 95% CI: 0.72−19.68%). None of the demographic associations reached statistical significance (p > 0.05). Conclusion This study provides serological evidence of Brucella exposure among apparently healthy sheep and goats in Vwang District, Central Nigeria. Although seroprevalence differences across species, sex, age, and location were not statistically significant, the detection of antibodies in nonvaccinated, clinically healthy livestock highlights the value of routine serological monitoring in rural agrarian communities.