Investigation Of Serological Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Paratuberculosis In Dairy Farms In The State Of Mecklenburg-Westpommerania, Germany

A total of 2.997 serum samples were randomly taken at 59 pre-selected dairy farms covering all districts with an average of 334 animals kept per farm. Samples were analysed for antibodies against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (M.a.p.) using Svanovir((R)) - ELISA. Risk factors on farm characteristics and animal health were recorded at all participating farms by use of a questionnaire. Fifty out of 59 farms (84,7 %) showed at least one reactor. The average within herd prevalence was 12,2 %. In the univariate analysis of risk factors no significant differences towards farm prevalences were found. Results are discussed with special emphasis on the need for a common national strategy to control the disease in Germany.