Prevalence of brucella antibodies in marketed milk in Jos and environs

A total of 200 milk samples comprising 100 from Fulani cattle herds and 100 from milk sellers in and around Jos metropolis were screened for Brucella antibodies by milk ring test (MRT). About 5 ml of bulk milk was collected immediately after milking into sterile bijou bottles with screw caps. Similarly, 5 ml of milk were also collected from milk sellers at various selling points within the Jos metropolis. This study was carried out within a period of four months, from March to June, 2005. The herds for this study were randomly selected and vaccinated herds and mastitic cows were excluded to avoid false positive reactions. 15% of the milk samples from Fulani herds were positive for Brucella antibodies while 12% of the samples obtained from milk sellers in designated sheds were positive for Brucellaantibodies. The overall prevalence was 13.5%. The result showed a higher prevalence rate in herds where fresh milk was collected compared to those from milk sellers in designated shed. Since the milk samples were collected from pooled milk in the herd, the infected animals could not be easily identified. About 90% of the milk sold in the study area is neither pasteurized nor boiled. The finding of this study is of public health significance. Local milk producers and sellers should therefore be educated on the importance of pasteurization or boiling of milk and making these regulations mandatory for milk intended for human consumption.   Key words: Prevalence, Brucella antibodies, milk, Jos, milk ring test.