Med. Weter. 81
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| PIOTR ŻMUDA, KATARZYNA FILIP-HUTSCH, MAGDALENA NOWAK, MARTYNA PUCHALSKA, DANIEL KLICH, MAGDALENA WILCZEK, BARTOSZ SKIBNIEWSKI, BLANKA ORŁOWSKA, MAREK NOWICKI, KRZYSZTOF ANUSZ, PIOTR KWIECIŃSKI, ANNA DIDKOWSKA |
| Seroprevalence of Brucella spp. in sheep (Ovis aries) in Małopolskie Voivodeship, southern Poland |
| Brucellosis is a major public health threat worldwide. The disease is caused by bacteria belonging to the Brucella genus and is associated with reproductive disorders. Poland is classified as an area free from infection caused by B. abortus, B. melitensis and B. suis in cattle populations across the entire territory. Little is known about the occurrence of brucellosis in other domestic and wild animal species. The aim of the study was to assess the seroprevalence of Brucella sp. in sheep from Małopolskie Voivodeship. In 2021-2024, serum samples were collected from 241 sheep from four herds. For serological tests, the commercial ELISA PrioCHECK™ (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) and Rose Bengal Tests (ID.VET, Grabels, France) were used. Antibodies against Brucella sp. were detected in 41/241 (17%; 95% CI: 12.6-22.36) of sheep; Rose Bengalpositive reaction was observed in only 7/241 (2.9%; 95% CI: 1.38-5.94). Controlling brucellosis in sheep is highly important not only because of the potential economic losses to farmers and occupational risks, but also because of the consumption of unprocessed dairy products. More detailed studies should be performed to identify the epidemiological situation in Małopolskie Voivodeship. |
| Keywords: Brucella spp.; zoonoses; public health |