OCCURRENCE OF ANTI-Brucella ovis ANTIBODIES IN OVINE IN THE STATE OF ALAGOAS, BRAZIL

Abstract

It was investigated the occurrence of antibodies anti-Brucella ovis in sheep from the State of Alagoas, Brazil. 16 herds were studied, totalizing 579 animals from 23 municipal districts. For the antibody research the immunodiffusion technique was used in Agar gel with the antigen constituted by lipopolisaccharides and Brucella ovis proteins, Reo 198 sample. Of a total of 579 samples analyzed, 18 (3.1%) were positive, from ten properties (37.0%) in ten municipal districts (46.2%). Significant statistical differences were observed for variables: region (p = 0.008), raising system (p = 0.048), history of reproductive disorders (p = 0.003). We conclude that there is serological evidence of infection by Brucella ovis in sheep herds in the State of Alagoas and that it is necessary to implement sanitary measures to avoid the dissemination of the infection to free herds.