Cross-sectional study on seroprevalence and risk factor analysis of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Kashmir Merino sheep flocks of Central Kashmir valley, India

Abstract Kashmir Merino is the fine wool breed developed from cross of native sheep breeds of Kashmir valley (India) and Delain Merino rams (USA). This new breed is very popular in the temperate Himalayan region of Kashmir, for wool and mutton production, thereby contributing significantly to the economy of local farmers. We determined seroprevalence and associated risk factor of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis(MAP) in the flocks of Kashmir Merino sheep. A total of 450 serum samples were collected from13 villages over a period of 13 months (June, 2016 - July, 2017) using stratified random sampling. Samples were screened for MAP antibodies by ‘indigenous ELISA kit’ (i_ELISA kit). Data related to the flock and management risk factors was collected from individual farmers during sampling. Apparent and true seroprevalence was 43.3% (40.99-45.66at 95% confidence interval) and 73.8% (71.81-75.9 at 95% confidence interval), respectively. Of 25 flocks screened,17 were positive for MAP(68.0%, 72.0 -88.0% at 95% confidence interval) and all villages had MAP positive flocks. Villages selected for the study had apparent sero-prevalence between 40.0% (31.0-48.9% at 95% confidence interval) and 46.6% (36.9-55.0% at 95% confidence interval), and the difference was non-significant (P > 0.05). Chi square and odds ratio analysis of risk factors revealed significant (P