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ABSTRACTBrucellosis is a worldwide zoonosis that is endemic in Namibia. This study estimated seroprevalence of brucellosis, and determined the presence of Brucella infection in slaughtered cattle using the genus-specific 16-23S rRNA interspacer PCR (ITS-PCR), and the species-specific AMOS-PCR. Between December 2018 and May 2019, sera (n = 304), pooled lymph nodes (n = 304), and individual spleen (n = 304) were collected from slaughtered cattle from 52 farms. Sera were tested for anti-Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal test (RBT), and the complement fixation test (CFT). Seroprevalence was 2.3% (7/304) (RBT) and 1.6% (5/304) (CFT). Prevalence of positive herds was 9.6% (5/52). Lymph node (n = 200) and spleen (n = 200) samples from seronegative cattle tested negative for Brucella spp. DNA on ITS-PCR, but Brucella spp. DNA was detected in lymph nodes (85.7%, 6/7) and spleen (85.7%, 6/7) from RBT positive cattle. ITS-PCR confirmed isolates from lymph node (51.4%, 4/7) and spleen (85.7%, 6/7) as Brucella spp.; while AMOS-PCR and Brucella abortus species specific (BaSS) PCR confirmed the isolates as Brucella abortus, and field strains, respectively. Provision of adequate protective gear, and the promotion of brucellosis awareness among abattoir workers is recommended to prevent zoonotic infection.

The authors describe the project undertaken by the Istituto G. Caporale to provide a laboratory information management system (LIMS) to the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) in Windhoek, Namibia. This robust laboratory management tool satisfies Namibia’s information obligations under international quality standard ISO 17025:2005. The Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for Africa was designed to collect and manage all necessary information on samples, tests and test results. The system involves the entry of sample data on arrival, as required by Namibian sampling plans, the tracking of samples through the various sections of the CVL, the collection of test results, generation of test reports and monitoring of outbreaks through data interrogation functions, eliminating multiple registrations of the same data on paper records. It is a fundamental component of the Namibian veterinary information system.

Results of trials in which cattle were infected by endotracheal intubation of Mycoplasma mycoides var. mycoides small colony (MmmSC) cultures or by contact exposure to animals affected by contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) are numerous. However, an analysis of the effects of the two different routes of infection on disease outcome is lacking. This study analyses the disease outcome in cattle infected by the two methodologies. Data originate from two controlled trials conducted in Namibia under field conditions. Intubation appears to be responsible for chronic evolution of the disease while in-contact infected animals develop more severe infection inducing mortality. Our results seem to suggest that the mode of infection may condition the disease outcome and should be taken into consideration in studies on the pathogenesis of CBPP.

A total of 1 076 sera from breeding goats were randomly collected from 24 different farms and tested with CHEKIT®-ELISA (IDEXX Laboratories B.V., 1 119 NE Schiphol-Rijk, Nederland) for antibodies against Chlamydophila abortus. The farms were divided into two categories of twelve farms each,based on their previous history of observed abortions over the previous 12 months: those with low (< 5%) levels of abortion and those with high (≥ 5%) levels of abortion. The farmers were also interviewed on their level of awareness about chlamydophilosis, its zoonotic importance and vaccination measures against the disease. The study detected overall seroprevalence levels of 25% for the farms and 8% for the individual animals (at 95% confidence). A total of six out of twentyfour farms (25%) had at least one positive breeding animal. Only five out of the twenty-four (20.8%)farmers interviewed were aware of chlamydophilosis and its zoonotic dangers. None of the 24 farmers interviewed practised any vaccination against chlamydophilosis. There was a significantly higher number of seropositive animals from farms with high levels of abortion, compared to those animals from farms with low levels of abortion (p = 0.0001). This study underscores the need for a higher level of farmer awareness and training on chlamydophilosis and its zoonotic dangers.