Epidemiological analysis of bovine brucellosis in Tuntatacto, Guano Canton
Keywords:
BRUCELOSIS BOVINA; EPIDEMIOLOGÍA; SALUD PÚBLICA VETERINARIA; ZOONOSIS.; BRUCELLOSIS, BOVINE; EPIDEMIOLOGY; VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH; ZOONOSES.; BRUCELOSE BOVINA; EPIDEMIOLOGIA; SAÚDE PÚBLICA VETERINÁRIA; ZOONOSES.Abstract
Introduction: bovine brucellosis is a zoonosis with significant health and economic impact that affects livestock production and represents a public health risk in rural communities.
Objective: to determine the prevalence of Brucella spp. in cattle from the community of Tuntatacto, Guano Canton, and to analyze the risk factors associated with its transmission.
Methods: an observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted in 2022 using probabilistic random sampling. A total of 398 cattle out of 1317 registered animals were evaluated, belonging to 57 farms classified by size. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein and the Rose Bengal test was applied. Data were processed using Chi-square analysis, respecting bioethical principles of voluntariness and confidentiality.
Results: the overall prevalence was 7,5 %, while at the farm level it reached 28 %. Small producers showed 6 % seropositivity, medium producers 7 %, and large producers 11 %. Intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors were identified, such as history of abortion, lack of vaccination, inadequate management of placentas, and deficiencies in biosecurity. Larger herds showed higher incidence, linked to animal density and reproductive practices.
Conclusions: bovine brucellosis remains a relevant problem in Tuntatacto, with higher prevalence in large-scale farms. The findings highlight the need to strengthen vaccination programs, improve biosecurity practices, and promote health education to reduce productive impact and zoonotic risk in the region.
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