Seroprevalence of Brucella ovis infection in commercial ram flocks in the Tamworth area

Authors: Sergeant ESG
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 42, Issue 3, pp 97-100, Jun 1994
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Bacterial, Disease/defect, Infectious disease, Clinical pathology, Diagnostic procedures, Notifiable organisms/exotic disease, Reproduction, Zoonosis, Public health
Article class: Scientific Article

---

Abstract: Commercial ram flocks in the Tamworth area of northern New South Wales were surveyed to estimate the proportion of flocks, and rams, infected with Brucella ovis. The flock prevalence (percentage of flocks containing seropositive rams) of 9.1% for Merino flocks was significantly lower than that for British-breed flocks (43.8%, p=0.006) and mixed-breed flocks (46.7%, p=0.017). The mean flock prevalence over all flock types was 32.9%. These estimates were supported by data obtained from diagnostic testing for brucellosis carried out during the previous 6 years. The seroprevalence in rams was 10.8% overall, 2.5% for Merinos, 19% for Border Leicester and 26% for Dorset rams. Within infected flocks, the estimated prevalences were 21%, 65% and 67% for Merinos, Border Leicester and Dorset rams respectively. The seroprevalence in Merino rams was significantly lower than that for both other breeds (p<0.001) for all flocks and in infected flocks. There was no apparent association between age and serological status, or age and the prevalence of epididymitis.

---