Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in Sheep and Goat Population Using Rose Bengal Test in District Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Imtiaz Khan; Arsalan Khan; Waseem Ullah; Muhammad Yasir; Toufeeq Ur Rehman; Zaheer Ahmad; Qamar Ullah; Mian Muhammad Salman; Abdul Qadoos

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v3i6.1597

Authors

Imtiaz Khan Livestock Research & Development Station, Paharpur, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Arsalan Khan Livestock Research & Development Station, Paharpur, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Waseem Ullah Livestock Research & Development Station, Paharpur, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Muhammad Yasir Livestock Research & Development Station, Paharpur, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Toufeeq Ur Rehman College of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Zaheer Ahmad Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Qamar Ullah Veterinary Research and Disease Investigation Center, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Mian Muhammad Salman Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Abdul Qadoos Veterinary Research Center, Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i6.1597

Keywords:

Brucellosis, Seroprevalence, Rose Bengal Plate Test, Zoonosis, Small Ruminants

Abstract

Background: Brucellosis is a contagious, economically significant zoonotic disease affecting livestock reproductive performance and posing a public health risk. This study investigated the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of brucellosis in sheep and goats in District Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 animals (200 sheep and 200 goats) selected from multiple union councils of District Tank. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using RBPT. Epidemiological data including animal demographics, reproductive history, and herd practices were recorded. Results: The overall seroprevalence was 13.75%, with 13.0% in goats and 14.5% in sheep (p > 0.05). Seropositivity was significantly higher in females (14.6%), animals aged over 3 years (20.7%), and those bred via natural service (19.1%). Autumn showed the highest seasonal prevalence (17.0%). Reproductive disorders such as abortion (25.0%), retained placenta (22.9%), and mastitis (19.0%) were significantly associated with infection. Orchitis in males showed a strong association with seropositivity (31.8%). Conclusion: Brucellosis is endemic in small ruminants of District Tank, with clear links to demographic, seasonal, and reproductive factors. The findings support the implementation of targeted control measures, reproductive health monitoring, and awareness programs to mitigate both economic losses and zoonotic risk.

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