Serologic evidence of paratuberculosis in Louisiana beef cattle herds as detected by ELISA

Abstract A serological survey of 1581 Louisiana beef cattle in 152 herds was performed to determine the extent of Johne's disease in Louisiana. Serum samples were obtained from the bovine serum bank maintained by the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. All samples were tested with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using protoplasmic antigen. Seventy-one (4.4%) of the animals tested and 46 (30%) of the herds tested had detectable antibodies. Previous studies have indicated a possible relationship between certain soil types and the clinical manifestation of Johne's disease. The data generated by this study did not confirm this relationship.