Preliminary study on paratuberculosis, small ruminant lentivirus, and co-infection in Emilia Romagna flocks.

BACKGROUND

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) are major pathogens affecting sheep and goats, leading to significant economic losses and animal welfare concerns.

AIM: To investigate the frequency of SRLV e MAP seropositivity in sheep and goats in the Emilia Romagna region through a comprehensive serological examination.

METHODS

A total of 387 sera (304 sheep and 81 goats) were subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of antibodies against SRLV serotypes A, B, and E and for the detection of antibodies against MAP.

RESULTS

Serological analysis showed that 81.3% of the animals were positive for at least one causative agent, of which 93% were positive for SRLV, 0.3% for MAP, and 6.6% for SRLV-MAP co-infection. Furthermore, in both SRLV-only positive and SRLV-MAP co-infected samples, genotype B was the most representative (45.7%).

CONCLUSION

The results of the study showed the presence of SRLV and paratuberculosis, as well as a prevalence of SRLV-MAP co-infection, for the first time in sheep and goats in the region, as well as the prevalence of SRLV-MAP co-infection, underlying the importance of implementing effective measures to control the spread of pathogens in small ruminants.