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Abstract

This study investigated the seroprevalence and risk factors of Brucella melitensis in goats within Maiduguri, Borno State, while simultaneously assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of animal vendors and handlers in Borno and Yobe states regarding reproductive diseases. A total of 160 goats were sampled and tested using the rapid immunochromatographic assay. The overall seroprevalence of B. melitensis was 5.0%. Prevalence varied by location within Maiduguri (df = 2, N = 160) = 5.6, p = 0.033). Older goats were apparently more seropositive (Odds Ratio (OR): 3.129; 95% CI: 0.802, 12.206), and weight was a significantly associated factor (OR: 0.655; p<0.05). Furthermore, the KAP survey revealed that 77.3% of handlers observed clinical signs like abortion/retained placenta or swollen knees, yet only 9.5% consulted a veterinarian, while 38.1% practiced self-medication. Overall, the respondents exhibited poor level of Knowledge (47.3%), Attitude (59.2%), and Practice (24.6%). The study identifies a critical gap in managing reproductive diseases within the sampled population and indicates an unmanaged zoonotic risk. The heavy reliance on self-medication and the lack of veterinary consultation further exacerbates the challenge of controlling Brucellosis and similar reproductive infections. The low prevalence suggests that goats designated for restocking programs may represent a low-risk source; however, the significant knowledge and practice gaps among handlers represent a persistent and high risk to both animal and public health in the conflict-affected regions of Northeastern Nigeria.  

Keywords

seroprevalence risk factors Brucella melitensis goats reproductive disease knowledge attitude practice

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Seroprevalence of Brucella melitensis and Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Regarding Reproductive Diseases among Goat Handlers in North-Eastern Nigeria. (2026). Sahel Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 23(2), 10-17. https://doi.org/10.54058/7d7ve677
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Seroprevalence of Brucella melitensis and Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Regarding Reproductive Diseases among Goat Handlers in North-Eastern Nigeria. (2026). Sahel Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 23(2), 10-17. https://doi.org/10.54058/7d7ve677

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