Seroprevalence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Dairy Cattle in Khartoum State, Sudan.

Abstract

Background: Paratuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic wasting disease of mainly domestic and wild ruminants (mammals). It occurs worldwide causing significant economic losses through decreased productivity, low fertility, increased cull rates and mortality. It is an OIE listed disease of concern to trade in animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the current prevalence of MAP infection in cattle in Khartoum State.Results: The overall apparent prevalence of MAP infection was found to be 6.3% and 18.9% (95% CL) at animal and herd levels, respectively. All seropositive animals were cross-bred females of good body condition; most of them (>90%) were >3 years old and >50% were from medium sized herds in Omdurman. No significant association (X2 >0.05) was found between seropositivity and animal herd data.Conclusion: The prevalence of MAP infection in Khartoum State is still low to medium compared to other parts of the world, but it is comparable to that reported from other African countries. Further studies with the view of designing wide national surveys in domestic ruminants and camels in other states of the country are needed for establishing control programmes.