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Risk Factors for the Spread of Brucellosis in Sheep and Goats in the Campania Region in the Years 2015–2020

Authors :
Roberta Brunetti
Maria Ottaiano
Mario Fordellone
Paolo Chiodini
Simona Signoriello
Federica Gargano
Fabrizio De Massis
Loredana Baldi
Esterina De Carlo
Source :
Microorganisms, Vol 11, Iss 11, p 2623 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

Abstract

Brucella is a Gram-negative facultative intracellular pathogen that causes infection in sheep and goats (B. melitensis.); B. melitensis can also infect other animals. Sheep and goat brucellosis is still present in some regions of Italy, including Campania, and causes considerable economic losses and health threats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible risk factors influencing the spread of brucellosis among sheep and goat farms in the Campania region in order to provide the local veterinary services with practical support in evaluating and planning diagnostic, preventive and control interventions. The results of official controls for brucellosis carried out from 2015 to 2020 in the sheep and goat farms of the Campania Region were analyzed. Data were extracted from the National Veterinary Information Systems and the Laboratory Management System of the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy. Statistical analysis was carried out through the software R version 4.1.0; the dataset consisted of 37,442 observations, and 9 qualitative and quantitative variables were evaluated on 8487 farms, 248 of which were positive. The association between covariates and the outcome (presence/absence of the disease) was evaluated (Fisher and Wilcoxon tests). A logistic regression model with mixed effects was carried out. This study confirmed that brucellosis in sheep and goats in the Campania region mostly occurs through contact with infected animals imported from other farms (OR = 3.41—IC 95% [1.82–6.41]). Farms with a greater number of animals were seen to be at the greatest risk of infection (OR = 1.04—IC 95% [1.03–1.05]); previous suspension of healthy status also proved to be a risk factor (OR = 55.8—IC 95% [26.7–117]).

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20762607
Volume :
11
Issue :
11
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Microorganisms
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.591b5e0e31444ef3b5043d0fabe5c67c
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11112623