SHOBHAMANI, B (Major)SREEDEVI, BSREENIVASULU, DKANAKA SWARNA LATHA, K2016-12-232016-12-232009-10http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/92441ABSTRACT : The present investigation was taken up to ascertain the prevalence of brucellosis in bovines and ovines in various districts of Andhra Pradesh. Of the 1856 bovine and 700 ovine sera samples tested 13.36 percent and 11.00 percent respectively were positive to brucella antibodies. The influence of epidemiological factors like species, breed, sex, age, management and breeding systems were studied on the prevalence of brucellosis. Results of the study showed that cattle (14.69%) were more prone to the disease than buffaloes (11.29%). The indigenous breeds (11.91%) of cattle were more resistant compared to the crossbred cattle (16.79%). In sheep, the prevalence of brucellosis did not vary significantly (P>0.05) among Nellore (11.59%), Deccani (10.92%) and non-descript breeds (9.4%). The female animals (13.92%, 13.04%) in both bovines and ovines were comparatively more susceptible than the male animals (7.14%, 7.08%) respectively. Bovines between 3-6 years (15.53%) and ovines between 2-4 53 years (13.93%) of age were more susceptible compared to other age groups. The animals maintained under organized farming conditions showed lesser prevalence than rural areas. A higher prevalence was noticed in the artificially inseminated animals (14.11%) compared to naturally served ones (9.82%). Among the 1856 sera tested, Avidin-Biotin Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (A-B ELISA) detected higher (248) number of positives followed by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) (92) and Standard Tube Agglutination Test (SAT) (68) in bovines. However in ovines, RBPT could detect 11.00 percent and SAT 8.86 percent positivity. When the Milk Ring Test (MRT) and RBPT were compared, MRT showed a sensitivity of 52.77 percent compared to RBPT. Of the 1806 pooled milk samples collected from milk co-operative societies, 30 samples from 6 villages were found to be positive by MRT. Thus the present study revealed that brucellosis is widespread in bovine and ovine population in different districts of Andhra Pradesh. Furthermore, suitable remedial measures have been suggested for the control of this disease.enBovines; ovines; brucellosisThesis