Socioeconomic impact of bovine brucellosis in Mandelia Prefecture, Chad.

Bovine brucellosis is a zoonosis that has a direct impact on animal production and farmers' incomes. The objective of this study was to describe the socio-economic characteristics of bovine brucellosis in sedentary herds in the Mandiagho canton, Chari Baguirmi province. Two surveys were conducted in February and March 2023. The first was a household census of herders in order to collect blood, hygroma and milk samples. The second was a cross-sectional survey of 52 households to collect socio-economic data.

The cattle breeders surveyed were at 100% male, Muslim and non-educated person. Married men accounted for 78.84%, with an average age of 36 (42.31%), ranging from 46 to 55 (25%). Arab herders accounted for 78.84% and 11.53% were from Gourane ethnic group. The sedentary breeding system was practiced by 51.92% of farmers, and the sale of dairy produce generated significant income for farmers, amounting to more than 1279141.48 USD during the study period. The cost of losses due to abortions was estimated at 13707.16 USD, and stillbirths due to hygromas were estimated at 64889.12 USD during the same period. Given the very high costs associated with the socio-economic impact, the authorities in charge of livestock farming must organize training and awareness campaigns on biosecurity practices in order to better equip farmers in this area.