Seroprevalence of <i>Brucella</i> infection in cattle and small ruminants in South Omo zone, southern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected districts of the South Omo Zone to estimate seroprevalence brucellosis and its associated risk factors. Additionally, knowledge, attitude, practices (KAP) livestock keepers about disease were also assessed. total 1349 sera samples collected from 450 cattle 899 small ruminants (450 goats 449 sheep) kept under an extensive production system. Rose Bengal Plate Test used for screening ELISA as a confirmatory test detection antibodies against Brucella species. Based on tests, overall 2.2 % (95% CI: 1.1 – 4.1%) cattle, 2.0% 0.9, 3.8%) 1.3% 0.5, 2.9%) sheep with higher seropositivity compared ruminants. Seropositivity did not vary significantly (p> 0.05) agroecology, age, sex groups cattle. However, 2.7% detected male 1.6% females. Seroprevalence lowland agroecology (3.0%) than those midlands (0.8%). Study respondents had low level knowledge only 43% them having some information disease. Most have routinely engaged that can expose infections such assisted delivery (65%), contact after-birth materials (50%), handling aborted (15%) without any protection. High consumption unpasteurized dairy products (93%) raw whole milk traditionally fermented product is common. This provides occurrence f major species at cross-border marginal areas limited information. The existence various exposure implies need creating awareness among general transmission zoonotic role.