The Global Seroprevalence of Equine Brucellosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Based on Publications From 1990 to 2022.
Authors: Jokar Mohammad, Rahmanian Vahid, Golestani Nadia, Raziee Yasamin, Farhoodi Mehran
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Global Equine Brucellosis Seroprevalence A comprehensive meta-analysis of 49 studies spanning 1990–2022 reveals that equine brucellosis, though often subclinical, remains an important zoonotic concern with highly variable geographic distribution—from virtually absent in Europe to 10% seroprevalence in Asia. The researchers pooled serological data across multiple detection methods and equine populations, applying rigorous bias-correction techniques to account for publication bias and arriving at a corrected global seroprevalence of 1.92%. Geographic region emerged as the primary driver of heterogeneity, whilst serum agglutination testing consistently yielded the highest detection rates (10.2%), and notably, donkeys demonstrated significantly higher seroprevalence (7.3%) than horses or other equine species, with females showing approximately 1.4 times greater infection likelihood than males regardless of age or body condition. For equine practitioners, these findings underscore the need for region-specific risk assessment protocols and highlight the particular importance of screening donkey populations in endemic areas, whilst the methodological variation in serodiagnosis suggests standardisation of testing approaches would improve future epidemiological surveillance and one-health disease management strategies.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Brucellosis seroprevalence in equines varies dramatically by geographic region (0-10%), so regional epidemiology should inform herd health screening protocols and biosecurity measures.
- •Donkeys carry higher infection rates than horses; separate screening and management strategies may be warranted for mixed equine populations.
- •Female equines require particular attention in brucellosis surveillance programs, and zoonotic transmission risk means handlers require protective measures regardless of clinical signs, as infected animals may show no obvious symptoms.
Key Findings
- •Pooled seroprevalence of equine brucellosis was 1.92% (95% CI, 0.67-3.79) after correction for publication bias using trim-and-fill method.
- •Geographic variation was significant, with Asia showing highest seroprevalence at 10.03% (95% CI, 8-12.9) and Europe lowest at 0% (95% CI, 0-0.1).
- •Donkeys had higher seroprevalence (7.3%, 95% CI, 4.9-9.7) compared to other equine species.
- •Female equines had significantly higher seroprevalence than males (OR = 1.437; 95% CI, 1.025-2.014), while age and body condition showed no significant association.