BRUCELLOSIS IN BUFFALOES: A REVIEW WITH EMPHASIS ON OFFICIAL SERODIAGNOSIS

Abstract

The serodiagnosis is one of the main procedures for control and prevention of brucellosis, as well as surveillance of the disease. It can be used in large herds, is affordable, has good sensitivity and specificity, in addition to international standards. The National Program for Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis - PNCEBT, which started in 2001, recommends that the serodiagnosis of brucellosis in water buffalo be performed from 24 months of age in calves vaccinated with B19 from 3 to 8 months of age, using the rose bengal plate test (RBPT), 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) and complement fixation (CF). This recommendation is necessary in order to avoid difficulties in interpretation of serological tests, due to the presence of residual immunoglobulin to vaccine strains that could hamper the differentiation between vaccinated and infected animals. Investigations on the serological brucellosis in water buffaloes in Brazil have focused on comparison of reactor animals in face of different diagnostic techniques. However, there are few studies in the country aiming serological monitoring of buffalo calves vaccinated according to recommendations of PNCEBT. This study reviewed the main aspects of brucellosis in water buffaloes, with emphasis on official serodiagnosis.