Authors: Johnson-Ifearulundu Y, Kaneene JB.

Institution: Population Medicine Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA.

Objective: To determine prevalence of paratuberculosis among dairy cattle herds and to identify associated soil-related risk factors.

Sample Population: Serum and soil samples for 121 Michigan dairy herds.

Procedure: Blood samples were collected from cows at each farm and tested for Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, using an antibody ELISA. Soil samples were collected from pastures and exercise lots; pH and available iron content were determined. A questionnaire was administered to collect data regarding farm management practices and productivity.

Conclusions: Prevalence of paratuberculosis-positive dairy herds in Michigan (54%) was greater than expected, but prevalence of paratuberculosis-positive cattle (6.9%) was within anticipated values. These prevalences were associated positively with acidic soil and increased soil iron content. Application of lime to pasture areas was associated with reduced risk of paratuberculosis.

Study link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=10328429&query_hl=4

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