SEROPREVALENCE AND SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF BRUCELLOSIS IN LARGE AND SMALL RUMINANTS IN GADAG DISTRICT, KARNATAKA

The present study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and spatial distribution of brucellosis in small and large ruminants in the Gadag district of Karnataka, India. The study was carried out under the National One Health Programme for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses (NOHPPCZ) as part of the Sentinel Surveillance Site activities. A total of 250 serum samples from bovinae (cattle and buffaloes, n=80) and caprinae (sheep and goats, n=170) were collected and tested for anti-Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and confirmed by indirect Enzyme- Linked Immunosorbent Assay (i-ELISA). The overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was found to be 6.25% in bovinae and 11.76% in caprinae. Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping was employed and revealed distinct spatial clustering of positive cases in specific talukas. The results confirm a significant circulation of Brucella antibodies, particularly in small ruminants, which poses a greater risk for occupational transfer of zoonotic brucellosis to the human population. The findings support the need for targeted, GIS-guided intervention strategies in the identified hotspots.