MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ASSOCIATED TO THE SEROEPIDEMIOLOGY OF SHEEP PARATUBERCULOSIS IN SAN LUIS POTOSÍ

Abstract

Flock management practices associated with the seroprevalence of paratuberculosis (Ptb) in sheep were identified, in San Luis Potosí, México. Blood samples (242) were diagnosed by using the immunodiffusion test in agar gel (IDAG). Through a survey, information about the flocks was grouped into variables of the farm, flock, management, origin and destination of the sheep. A logistic regression was used for analysis. The results obtained were a seroprevalence of 9.99 %, and it was found that age is a risk factor to diagnose sick sheep (OR=3.57). The Rambouillet breed presented greater risk of contracting the disease (OR=1.11). Not having sanitary practices was a risk factor for the disease (OR=9.49). The purchase of foreign animals can be a risk factor (OR=4.51 and 5.86). The results suggest that there is a higher risk of paratuberculosis when the total of animals is higher and the farm management is more intensive. Further studies will be necessary to clarify the factors of the host that are associated with resistance to infection, since it was found that there is a breed factor for seropositive animals, and the risk is greater when sheep are purchased outside the locality, without a sanitary revision