Risk factors for the transmission of brucellosis on mixed sheep and springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) farms in the //Kharas region

Abstract

A questionnaire survey was carried out on eleven randomly selected farms in the //Kharas region rearing both sheep and springbok to find out the factors which may favor the transmission of brucellosis in either direction. Sheep (69%) and springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) (21%) were the main species on the farms, with varying numbers of cattle, goats, Oryx (Oryx gazelle) and kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros). The introduction of replacement rams and ewes of unknown brucellosis status on the farms; the absence of vaccination of sheep against Brucella melitensis (n=11); the close interaction be- tween sheep and springbok throughout the year (n=8) at watering points and in areas with good grazing (n=3) were identified as factors that may favour the introduction and cross-transmission of brucellosis between the two species. The study identified that farm workers on three farms were at risk of brucellosis because they consumed raw sheep milk.