Serological Evidence of Brucellosis in Local Chickens in Kaduna State, Nigeria

A study to assess the status of brucellosis in local chickens was conducted in four Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kaduna state, Nigeria. A total of 150 sera sample were collected between December, 2010 and March, 2011 from local chickens in the LGAs. Only 1 (0.67%) out of the 150 sera samples obtained was positive for brucella antibodies with the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT). Brucellosis is present in local chickens and they may serve as source of infection to other livestock and humans. Enlightenment campaigns on good hygienic practices, the use of protective clothing when coming in contact with poultry or their products and proper disposal of aborted foetuses, placenta and contaminated materials needs to be carried out. There is need to control brucellosis in cattle, sheep and goats which may be sources of the brucella organism to chickens.