Serological investigations of brucellosis in cattle, farmers and veterinarians in the Kars district of Turkey

The prevalence of brucellosis was investigated in cattle, farmers and veterinarians in the Kars district of Turkey between 2004-2006. A total of 407 serum samples of cattle from 27 herds having history of abortions were examined for Brucella antibodies by RBPT and SAT. In addition, the sera collected from 246 farmers (130 males and 116 females) and 28 veterinarians in the same district were analysed serologically by RBPT, SAT and ELISA. Of the cattle sera analysed, 32.92% and 34.64% were determined as positive by RBPT and SAT, respectively, whereas 13%, 14.22% and 17.88% of the farmers' sera were found positive for brucellosis by RBPT, SAT and ELISA, respectively. There was no significant difference between sexes for Brucella seropositivity. Of the 28 sera from veterinarians, 46.42% were positive by the three serological tests. The high prevalence of brucellosis both in cattle and humans suggests that brucellosis is common in this area. Preventive and control measures should be implemented and pursued more strictly to reduce and/or eradicate brucellosis from the area.