title: Phenotypic characterization of Brucella strains isolated from livestock in Nigeria.
abstract: Isolation of brucellae from aborted fetuses, hygroma fluids, milk and vaginal swabs obtained from aborting cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses in Nigeria was carried out. A total of 25 isolates, obtained mainly from cattle, sheep and horses, were biotyped. All strains belonged to one species, Brucella abortus biovar 1. The epidemiological significance of this finding is discussed. Some preliminary observations on the zoonotic and public health implications of Brucella infection in Nigerian livestock are presented. A control programme involving improved management, animal movement restrictions, public health education and mass vaccination of animals is suggested.
authors.affiliation: Bacterial Research Department, Brucellosis Research Unit, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria. ocholir@afrione.com
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Ocholi
authors.forename: J K P
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Kwaga
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ajogi
authors.forename: J O O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Bale
mesh_terms: D000034:Abortion, Veterinary / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D000818:Animals; D015373:Bacterial Typing Techniques / Q000662:veterinary; D002002:Brucella / Q000145:classification* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002006:Brucellosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D006736:Horses; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*