Importance of serological diagnostics in ovine epididymitis caused by Brucella ovis

The aim of the study was the presentation and evaluation of the results of serological monitoring of ovine epididymitis in Slovakia in 1995-2005. The study was based on the results of serological examinations for Brucella ovis antibodies carried out in 6 veterinary institutes (Bratislava, Nitra, Dolný Kubín, Zvolen, Košice, Prešov, Žilina, and Michalovce. During 1995-2004, the laboratory in Zvolen used the complement fixation test (CFT) in diagnostics of Brucella ovis infection, while other laboratories used mainly the double agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test. In 2005, almost 56% of samples were examined by ELISA, 15% by CFT, and 29% by AGID test. Although CFT is the prescribed test for international trade, we regard AGID test as the most practical serological method because of its sensitivity, simplicity, and easy interpretation. Totally, 91 926 blood sera of rams and ewes were examined. Ewes were examined in statistically non-significant number (up to 3%) Out of this number, 7 160 were positive for Brucella ovis, that represents 7.78% seropositivity. We propose to carry out serological diagnostics for ovine epididymitis consisting of AGID+ELISA methods in breeding rams before mating season, including young rams. Negative results of the tests would guarantee economic profitability of breeding.