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The prevalence and distribution of Brucella melitensis in goats in Malaysia from 2000 to 2009

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Abstract

A study was conducted to describe the prevalence and distribution of zoonotic Brucella melitensis in goats in Peninsular Malaysia. Using serosurveillance data of the last decade (2000–2009) involving 119,799 goats and 3555 farms, the seroprevalence of brucellosis among goats was 0.91% (95% CI = 0.86–0.96) and among farms was 7.09% (95% CI = 6.27–7.98). The odds of brucellosis was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the later part of the decade, in larger herd size and among the states located in the peninsula as compared to eastern Malaysia. The infection was detected throughout Malaysia but at generally low seroprevalences with states like Perlis that border neighbouring countries having higher seroprevalence of brucellosis than other non-border states.

Introduction

Brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Brucella organisms and is the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world. Brucella melitensis is known to be the most pathogenic of all Brucella species (Cassataro et al., 2005, Dhand and Ross, 2007). The organism infects goats and other domestic animals causing abortion, intermittent fever and decrease in productivity (Seleem et al., 2010). Livestock farmers, veterinarians and laboratory workers are most likely to be affected by this organism due to their close contact with animals and animal related materials (Sam et al., 2012). Generally, brucellosis has been occurring in the Malaysian livestock population for many decades although at a relatively low prevalence compared to other countries in Asia (Bahaman et al., 2007, Bamaiyi et al., 2014a). Previous studies have reported serological evidence of brucellosis in Malaysia among humans (Jama’ayah et al., 2011, Sam et al., 2012), goats (Al-Garadi et al., 2011), dogs (Khairani-Bejo et al., 2006) and cattle (Anka et al., 2013). Recently there have been anecdotal reports of Brucella infection in humans especially among those that by occupation are in close contact with livestock. There have also been sporadic outbreaks of brucellosis among those consuming raw milk from infected herds (Chye et al., 2004, CDC, 2011, Aziz et al., 2012, Sam et al., 2012). Risk factors for caprine brucellosis in farms in Malaysia include introduction of new animals to farms, younger age category of farms and farms with single breed of goats (Bamaiyi et al., 2014b).

In recent years, clustered outbreaks of brucellosis among humans have increased due to consumption of contaminated milk or direct contact with infected materials (CDC, 2011, Jama’ayah et al., 2011). As humans may only contract brucellosis through interaction with animals and their products, reducing disease in animals is a way to reduce exposure of and subsequent disease in humans (Seleem et al., 2010).

Despite the importance of the disease both economically and for human health, there is paucity of literature on the occurrence and distribution of caprine brucellosis in Malaysia and elsewhere in the region of Southeast Asia. The reasons for the limited information is multiple including lack of expertise, poor resource allocation for zoonotic diseases, and lack of incentive for producing published materials and fear of economic and trade repercussion.

In this study we described the prevalence and distribution of caprine brucellosis in Malaysia using the serosurveillance data collected by the local veterinary authority over a period of one decade (2000–2009). This study provide information on the extent of disease occurrence and distribution among the goat population that can be used to establish a more vigorous control efforts if necessary and to reallocate resources if needed.

Section snippets

Materials and methods

Nationwide B. melitensis serosurveillance is routinely performed by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Malaysia as part of the effort in the Brucellosis Eradication Program among livestock as described in the Veterinary Protocol for B. melitensis of Malaysia (DVS, 2010). The program includes serological testing to detect infected animals and herds, accompanied by systematic culling of seroreactors and followed by retesting of the herds for freedom from the disease (DVS, 2010). Usually

Descriptive analysis

The mean herd size of farms was 34 goats per herd (SD = 28.08) and the total number of goats sampled from 2000 to 2009 was 119,799. The most common breed of goats was the cross breeds which numbered 67,591 (56.42%). Other breeds included: Anglo Nubian (351, 0.30%); Boer (9085, 7.58%); British alpine (27, 0.02%); Feral (762, 0.64%); Jamnapari (9332, 7.79%); Kaploh (96, 0.08%); Katjang (10,342, 8.63%); Saanen (3253, 2.72%); Toggenburg (203, 0.17%) and other non-classified breeds (18,757, 15.65%).

Herd-level seroprevalence of B. melitensis

Discussion

This study used data that were obtained from a decade of nationwide serosurveillance efforts by the local veterinary authority. Therefore, some level of information bias arising from incomplete data entry may have been unavoidable. The data had been verified using two different sources of records from the DVS headquarters and the VRI. Furthermore, data were cleaned to ensure that only unique herds were included in the period of study so that the seroprevalence was not falsely magnified. The

Conclusion

The serological evidence of infection is widespread among farms, affecting all 13 states and the federal capital territories in Malaysia. A significant surge in the seroprevalence was observed starting 2004 and the trend had continued into recent years. Therefore, improving veterinary manpower and resources is necessary for the control and eradication of brucellosis. Quarantine facilities need to be upgraded and expanded to cater for the thousands of goats imported annually into Malaysia so

Acknowledgements

We thank the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia and Veterinary Research Institute for their cooperation and technical assistance throughout this study.

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    The author is presently affiliated with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kota Bharu, Kelantan Malaysia.

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