Abstract

Brucellosis is a serious economic and public well-being concern throughout the world. It is a global spreading and causes a serious problem to developing country similarly as Ethiopia. Brucella abortus is the foremost reason for this disease in cattle. Moreover, Brucella melitensis, and Brucella suis reason for brucellosis in cattle occasionally. It is recognized by causing abortion at third trimester, retained fetal membrane and sterility in female, and orchitis and bursitis in bull. Brucella organism is usually transmitted to different cattle through direct or indirect contact with diseased cattle or their discharge. Humans procure the disease mostly by drinking unpasteurized milk/product and contact with diseased cattle or their discharges. The incidence of disease is influenced by variety of factors associated with management system, host and environmental factors. Age, gender, species, herd size, herd type, hygienic status and agro ecology are among the most important factors of the disease. Work-related contact is observed in peoples who interaction with diseased cattle and their tissues. In Ethiopia, brucellosis is high in pastoral and mixed cattle production system where human live closely with cattle and so, are at higher probability of getting the Brucella organism. The most appropriate method of Brucella infection control is vaccination of young female cattle. Brucella abortus may be eradicated by isolation of diseased cattle, giving vaccine and test-slaughter methods. Thus, it is important to conduct applicable control methods, increase the public awareness on zoonotic transmission of brucellosis and conducted study on the epidemiology of brucellosis in higher risk group.

Keywords: Brucellosis; Cattle; Epidemiology; Public health