Epidemiology of Brucellosis in Ethiopia

Brucellosis, one of the major zoonotic disease problems globally, and bovine tuberculosis (bTB) have profound economic effects on livestock owners as well as causing major human health impacts, and are often tackled together. In Africa, one of the largest cattle populations is found in Ethiopia. Emerging cattle sectors in Ethiopia aiming to increase milk supply are vulnerable to diseases such as brucellosis and bTB which can thrive in intensive husbandry systems. The aim of this project is to explore the epidemiology of brucellosis in humans and cattle in Ethiopia using research sites in the country established by ETHICOBOTS (for its bTB research), to establish risk factors for brucellosis in humans and animals in Ethiopia, and to perform technology transfer for diagnosis (serological and bacteriological) and molecular characterisation of brucellosis. A better understanding of Brucella prevalence in the study sites in Ethiopia, and which Brucella species are causing disease in animals and humans, will inform policy-makers of the relevance of developing parallel control strategies for both brucellosis and bTB.