Abstract:
A cross-sectional study was undertaken to describe the epidemiology of
zoonotic brucellosis in dairy farms in rural southwestern Uganda, and to evaluate the use of
tools to address challenges to disease surveillance programs faced in rural sub-Saharan Africa
and other resource-limited settings.
Methods: Blood samples were collected from cattle, goats and humans, and milk samples
were collected from cows on 70 dairy farms in two sites in Uganda. Samples of blood and milk
from livestock were collected and dried on laboratory-grade filter paper. Data describing each
animal and human subject were recorded during sample collection, and herd-level risk factor
data were collected by questionnaires on livestock health and management, human health and
practices associated with increased brucellosis risk.