Prevalence of Brucella antibodies in marketed cow milk in Benue State, Nigeria

Brucellosis is an endemic disease in the animal population in Nigeria and of great public health importance, particularly among livestock owners and workers who are ignorant of the risk of Brucella infection. A total of 102 milk samples comprising 62 from cattle herds and 40 from milk vendors in Benue State, Nigeria were screened for Brucella antibodies by the milk ring test (MRT). The herds for the study were randomly selected within randomly selected local governent areas from the three geopolitical zones of the state. All herds sampled had no history of vaccination and cows with mastitis were excluded. 17.7% of milk samples from herds and 12.5% samples from milk vendors were positive for Brucella antibodies. The overall prevalence was 15.7%. The result shows significantly (P<0.05) higher prevalence in herds where fresh bulk herd milk was collected than those from milk vendors who sold fermented milk. However, prevalence within the geopolitical zones was not significantly different (P>0.05). These findings are of public health significance as about 90% of the milk sold to the public within the study area is neither pasteurized nor boiled. Local milk producers and milk vendors should be educated on the importance of pasteurization or boiling of milk. Adequate pasteurization or boiling of milk before sale and consumption must be enforced. These regulations should be mandatory for milk intended for human consumption.