Prevalence Of Bovine Brucellosis And Cow Milk Contamination By Brucella In Benue State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Serological and bacteriological studies were carried out to determine the prevalence of brucellosis among cattle in Benue State, Nigeria; and to determine the level of contamination of fresh bulk herd and fermented milk sold to the public for consumption; as well as detect and characterize the causative agent of bovine brucellosis in the area; and to evaluate a new diagnostic test for brucellosis, the Brucella Lateral Flow Assay (the rapid field test). Serum samples obtained from cattle (n = 1556) were initially screened using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and positive reactors w…