The unexpected discovery of Brucella abortus Buck 19 vaccine in goats from 1 Ecuador underlines

27 Very few, mostly old and only preliminary serological studies of brucellosis in goats exist 28 in Ecuador. In order to assess the current epidemiological situation, we performed a cross29 sectional serological study in the goat populations of Carchi (n=160 animals), Pichincha 30 (n=224 animals), and Loja provinces (n=2,024 animals). Only two positive serological 31 results (RB negative and SAT-EDTA ≥400 IU/ml) were obtained in lactating goats from 32 the same farm in Quito (Pichincha province). Additionally, milk was sampled from 220 33 animals in Pichincha province. The present study indicates a low apparent prevalence in 34 Pichincha province and absence in Carchi and Loja provinces. A total of 25 positive milk 35 ring tests (MRT) were obtained in Pichincha province yielding a prevalence of MRT of 36 11.16 %. Subsequent culture was performed on the positive MRT samples. All results 37 were negative, apart from a single sample, obtained from a serological positive goat in 38 Quito, that was positive for Brucella abortus strain 19 (B19). Several hypotheses are 39 forwarded concerning this unexpected result. The most likely hypothesis is the possible 40 accidental use of a needle, previously used for vaccination of cattle with the said vaccine, 41 for the administration of drug treatment to the goat. This hypothesis underlines the 42 necessity of biosecurity measures to prevent this type of accidents. 43 44