Seroprevalence of anti‐Mycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisantibodies in female sheep in Tunisia

Abstract

Paratuberculosis (Ptb) is a widespread chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis ( Map ) that affects both domestic and wild ruminants. Most of the studies focused on cattle while, the prevalence of Ptb in sheep in different regions of the world is not well investigated. This study aimed to address this gap of knowledge by screening adult female sheep for paratuberculosis antibodies in different geographical regions of Tunisia. A total number of 338 female sheep from 15 small to middle‐sized, extensively managed sheep farms in six regions across Tunisia were sampled. Animals were clinically examined before blood sampling. Sera were tested for the presence of anti‐ Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis antibodies using a commercial ELISA kit. Six farms out of 15 comprised at least one seropositive animal and 11 female sheep out of 338 tested animals (3.25%; 95% CI = [1.83–5.73]) were seropositive to M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis . The seroprevalence was significantly lower in 5‐year‐old females ( p = .04) and animals that do not graze ( p = .02). Due to its huge economic and social impacts, paratuberculosis represents a health problem in Tunisia and several other countries Further investigations are needed to rank sheep Ptb in Tunisia among other diseases and to assess the main risk factors using a larger nation‐wide survey.

Association of TLR2 Haplotypes Encoding Q650 With Reduced Susceptibility to Ovine Johne’s Disease in Turkish Sheep

“…The serological results suggest that all but the most isolated Turkish ocks are infected with MAP and at risk for OJD. This is consistent with other reports of OJD prevalence around the world [26][27][28] .…”

Association of TLR2 haplotypes encoding Q650 with reduced susceptibility to ovine Johne’s disease in Turkish sheep

“…The serological results suggest that all but the most isolated Turkish flocks are infected with MAP and at risk for OJD. This is consistent with other reports of OJD prevalence around the world 27 – 29 .…”

Comparison of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection in cattle, sheep and goats in the Khuzestan Province of Iran: Results of a preliminary survey

“…The MAP infection rate in goats, in some area of Iran, was 37% and 17.3% by PCR and culture methods, respectively (Nemati, 2015), but it was 0.3% to 45.1% in other countries (Dimarelli‐Malli et al., 2009; Dixit et al., 2013; Kumthekar et al., 2013; Lee et al., 2006; Liapi et al., 2011; Martinez Herrera et al., 2012; Mpenda & Buza, 2014; Pithua & Kollias, 2012; Rerkyusuke et al., 2018; Stau et al., 2012; Villari et al., 2009). The prevalence of infection in sheep in some countries has been reported as 2.4% to 21.1% (Dimarelli‐Malli et al., 2009; Khamassi Khbou et al., 2020; Liapi et al., 2011; Morales‐Pablos et al., 2020; Sergeant & Baldock, 2002; Stau et al., 2012; Villari et al., 2009). This may be due to the difference in the sample size, sampling method, methods of examination, herd size and management, environmental and host determinants (Constable et al., 2017; Thrusfield et al., 2018).…”