Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Brucellosis in Dogs in Buea Municipality, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Brucellosis remains a serious public health concern in Cameroon because of intimate human-dog interactions, unrestricted consumption of dog meat, and an overall weak veterinary infrastructure. Because the size of the dog population in Buea Municipality is unknown, the study was designed to estimate the sample seroprevalence of brucellosis in dogs and assess the various associated risk factors for the disease. Methods This research used a cross-sectional study design in which a total of 134 dogs were sampled from six communities, with 99 dog owners being interviewed to assess potential risk factors. Blood was collected from the animals and initially screened for Brucella antibodies using RBPT. Later testing was done with iELISA. For data analysis, SPSS version 25 was used and chi-square at a 95% confidence level was employed. Results The estimated sample seroprevalence of brucellosis in dogs by RBPT was 17.9% (24/134), while by iELISA it was 11.9% (16/134), thus indicating exposure to Brucella transmission amongst the dog population in the study area. Dogs owned by people who consume dog meat had higher rates of seropositivity, indicating exposure risks associated with behaviour and culture. Conclusion The present study documents the first evidence of Brucella antibody exposure and provides an estimated sample seroprevalence of brucellosis in dogs from Buea Municipality. Dog-related characteristics, including sex, local breeds, and free-roaming behavior, were explored for their potential risk association with Brucella seropositivity, but they were not significantly associated with Brucella antibody detection by either RBPT or iELISA in the study area. Enhanced veterinary surveillance, public health education, regulating dog-meat practices, and molecular identification of circulating strains are important for effective One Health control of brucellosis in Cameroon.