Epidemiology of bovine brucellosis in the coastal savanna zone of Ghana.

323 sera from cattle raised in four locations in a coastal savanna area of Ghana were screened for brucellosis using the Rose Bengal plate test. The overall prevalence rate was 9.3%. No significant difference was seen between the infection rates in females (11.3%) and in males (4.3%). Generally, regardless of the sex of the animal, older animals (> or = 2 years) had significantly higher infection rates (11.6%) than younger animals (3.5%). In the females, the older animals had a relatively higher infection rate (13.5%) compared to nil (0) for the younger ones. However, in the males the converse was true, with younger animals having a relatively higher infection rate (6%) compared to the matured males (2.4%). 31% of the 42 herds examined tested positive for brucella antibodies in the Rose Bengal plate test. The need to monitor bovine brucellosis and educate the population at risk on dangers of infection is emphasised.