Brucellosis: Seroprevalence, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Veterinarians

Background: Brucellosis is an important but ignored zoonotic disease in India, with high prevalence among livestock and humans. It is of particular concern among veterinarians as they come in contact with infected animals in their day to day work. Aim and Objectives: The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of antibrucellar antibodies and assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) levels with regards to brucellosis among the veterinarians. Material and Methods: The serum samples of 1084 veterinarians were evaluated using the Rose Bengal Plate agglutination Test (RBPT), Serum Agglutination Test (SAT) and 2-Mercaptoethanol Test (2-ME test). All the participants were interviewed with a pre-designed questionnaire. Results: Prevalence of antibrucellar antibodies among the veterinarians was 9.31% by RBPT. Clinical symptoms relating to brucellosis were seen in 4.33% individuals. Of the 1084 subjects screened for KAP, awareness was highest among the veterinary officers and students, while other veterinary workers were ignorant. Though most of the veterinary officers had adequate knowledge and positive attitude the regular preventive practices were not sound. Conclusion: Significantly higher seroprevalence of brucellosis was noted among veterinarians. High 2-ME titres were a better correlate of an active infection. Awareness regarding brucellosis among assisting staff was low. Training and health education programs to raise the KAP standard are necessary.