ABSTRACT
Equine brucellosis is caused by Brucella abortus and most commonly manifests as fistulous withers in horses, which can be a source of exposure to humans. Infection by B. abortus in horses occurs mainly through contact with infected bovines. The aim of the present study was to estimate the frequency of antibodies against antigens of B. abortus in equidaes from the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. A total of 477 serum samples from healthy equines were examined by the acidified antigen modification test stained with rose-bengal (card test) and the 2-mercaptoethanol test. Using the card test, 8.18% samples (39/477) showed positive reactions, while no sample was positive using the 2mercaptoethanol test. These results show that the agent is not present in the studied population.
KEY WORDS
Equine brucellosis; serology; Brucella spp; zoonosis; Minas Gerais