Seroprevalence and factors associated with bovine brucellosis in Pinar del Río province, Cuba

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis and identify risk factors for brucellosis in Pinar del Río province, Cuba. A cross-sectional study was performed based on the results of the epidemiological surveillance programme. Geospatial distribution was analyzed by calculating the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) at the municipality level. In addition, the association between diagnostic results and factors such as the productive system, sex and age groups (<12, 12-24, 24-36, >36 months) was assessed. A total of 12 760 blood samples were processed and 113 were positive; thus, the estimated seroprevalence in the province was 0.89% (95 % CI 0.74-1.06). The disease was present in three out of eight municipalities in the province (Los Palacios, Consolación del Sur and Pinar del Río), although only in Los Palacios the prevalence was significantly higher than that expected: 2.40 (1.30-3.28). Furthermore, the prevalence ratio in animals younger than 12 months was 8.33 (1.41-49.42) times higher than in animals between 12 and 24 months of age. In conclusion, the municipality of origin and age category are relevant factors that should be considered by the health authorities to design disease control strategies in the province.