Seroprevalence of Brucella Species Antibodies Among Cattle Rearers in Bauchi State

Brucellosis is a major zoonotic disease transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of unpasteurized animal products, with cattle rearers representing a particularly high-risk occupational group in Nigeria. This cross-sectional study determined the seroprevalence of Brucella species antibodies among cattle rearers in Bauchi and Tafawa Balewa local government areas of Bauchi State, in the North East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from 180 consenting male and female cattle rearers. Serum was tested for Brucella antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) as a screening tool, with positive samples confirmed by the Standard Agglutination Test (SAT). The overall seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies was 18.3 percent. Male rearers and those with over 10 years of farming experience had significantly higher seroprevalence. Lack of personal protective equipment during calving and consumption of raw milk were the most strongly associated risk behaviors. These findings confirm active Brucella exposure among cattle rearers in Bauchi State and underscore the need for a One Health approach integrating human and veterinary public health responses. Awareness campaigns, provision of protective equipment, and promotion of milk pasteurization practices are urgently recommended. Keywords: brucellosis, cattle rearers, seroprevalence, Bauchi State, zoonosis.