Sero-Surveillance of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis Infection in Domestic Livestock in North India Using Indigenous Absorbed ELISA Test

A total of 829 serum samples belonging to domestic livestock (Cattle, buffaloes, goat and sheep) and driven from different parts of the North India between 2005 to 2008, were screened to estimate the seroprevalence of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection using 'indigenous absorbed ELISA kit'. Sero-prevalence of MAP in the domestic livestock was 23.1%. Prevalence was higher in large ruminants (24.1%) as compared to small ruminants (22.5%). Highest sero-positivity was in cattle (26.9%), followed by goats (23.9%), buffaloes (20.2%), and sheep (19.0%). In cattle region-wise, 25.8, 29.1 and 30.7% animals were positive from Mathura (UP), Rohtak (Haryana), and Bareilly (UP) regions, respectively. In buffaloes, the highest prevalence was found at Bareilly (26.6%) followed by Rohtak (20.0%) and Bhaghpat (18.4%) regions. In goats, 19.6, 37.5, 40.0 and 21.9% animals were positive from Mathura (farm herd), Etawah, Agra and Ajmer (farmers herd) regions, respectively. In sheep, prevalence of MAP was 25.5 and 16.3% in Mathura and Mannavanur regions, respectively. In sheep prevalence was higher in Northern region as compared to the Southern region of the country. The present study showed that the prevalence of MAP in domestic livestock was moderately higher; therefore there is an urgent need to control the disease at National level in order to improve per animal productivity in the country.