An outbreak of brucellosis in a dairy mixed farm with a total of 508 animals at
Fayoum governorate, North Upper Egypt was investigated. The present study showed
that extensive animal farming was a potential risk factor for interspecies transmission
of brucellosis. The seroprevalences of brucellosis using Rose Bengal Test (RBT) and
Buffered Acidified Plate Antigen Test (BAPAT) were (9.5%) in cattle, (35%) in sheep,
and (50%) in camels. The milk ring test (MRT) identified fewer positive cases than
BAPAT and RBPT due to less sensitivity to detect low concentrations of antibodies in
milk or due to fat clustering factors. Therefore, MRT cannot be used alone to get rid of
the infection inside the farm. A total of 31 Brucella isolates were recovered from cows
and sheep on the farm. Bacteriological examination and molecular confirmation of
isolated Brucella species using AMOS-PCR confirmed that all isolates were typed as
Brucella melitensis biovar 3. AMOS-PCR was a perfect method for rapid, sensitive,
and accurate Brucella detection at the species level. The strategy of test and slaughter
has been applied to eradicate brucellosis from the farm. The early release of the herd
out of the quarantine should be avoided especially under unhygienic conditions and
lack of controlled movement of animals. However, the animal population must be
subjected to successive serological examinations for the exploration of animals that
may be still incubating the disease. Despite 50% of male camels being seropositive, no
clinical signs have been reported. Mixed breeding systems have to be avoided and the
application of biosecurity practices as well fair compensation policy for owners should
be implemented.
Key words: Bovine, sheep, abortion, brucellosis, B. melitensis.
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