Seroprevalance and co-existence of brucellosis, listeriosis and toxoplasmosis in dairy cattle in Kırıkkale province

Abstract

This study was conducted on a total of 100 dairy cows of Holstein and Holstein crossbred cows of 3-7 years of age between December 2005 and April 2006. The aim of the study was to determine seroprevalence of brucellosis, listeriosis and toxoplasmosis, and the frequency of their co-existence in dairy cows. Clinically, the mean pulsus rate, breathing rate and body temperature were determined as 72±12/min., 24±6/min and 38.2±0.6°C, respectively. Antibodies against Brucella abortus were determined by means of Microplate Agglutination Test (MAT). The titres above 1/40 were considered seropositive. The 'O' antibodies, generated against Listeria monocytogenes, were determined by Osebold method. At least 2 (+) results at the titres above 1/100 were considered seropositive. Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were analyzed by Sabin-Feldman Dye Test (SFBT). The titres above 1/16 were considered seropositive. As a result, in dairy cows of Kirikkale region the seroprevalence of brucellosis, listeriosis and toxoplasmosis were 19%, 37% and 53%, respectively. The frequency of co-existence all three together was 5%. The frequency of co-existence of brucella with listeria was 4%, of brucella with toxoplasma was 7%, and of listeria with toxoplasma was 13%.