Table 3.
Study on Brucella abortus seropositivity in cattle of three villages around Maasai Mara national reserve (Kenya): herd characteristics and results from a questionnaire on risk practices and clinical signs compatible with brucellosis in cattle and in humans handling livestock
| Overall (N = 75) | Lemek (N = 25) | Mara Rianta (N = 25) | Endoinyo Narasha (N = 25) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle herd size | 109 (5–400) | 97 (15–300) | 144 (14–400) | 85 (5–300) |
| Years of operation | 34.6 (5–70) | 35.32 (15–60) | 37.08 (15–70) | 31.44 (5–70) |
| Grazing in reserve | 60% | 32% | 100% | 48% |
| Bought livestock during the last year | 79% | 88% | 64% | 84% |
| Contact with wildlife reported by the farmer | ||||
| Ungulates | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Predators | 76% | 52% | 100% | 76% |
| Monkeys | 35% | 0% | 36% | 68% |
| Contact with other livestock reported by the farmer | ||||
| Cattle | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Goats | 80% | 92% | 48% | 100% |
| Sheep | 80% | 92% | 48% | 100% |
| Pigs | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Poultry | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Signs of illness noticed in cattle | ||||
| Fever | 4% | 8% | 4% | 0% |
| Fatigue | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Reduced fertility/abortion and/or stillbirth | 51% | 48% | 68% | 36% |
| Decrease in milk production | 9% | 12% | 4% | 12% |
| Mastitis/udder swelling and/or pain | 23% | 32% | 24% | 12% |
| Self-reported signs of illness experienced by people handling the animals | ||||
| Fever | 45% | 44% | 48% | 40% |
| Sweats | 15% | 16% | 16% | 12% |
| Malaise | 31% | 20% | 20% | 52% |
| Headache | 57% | 60% | 48% | 64% |
| Pain in muscles, joints and/or back | 57% | 56% | 52% | 64% |