Preliminary Study on Paratuberculosis, Small Ruminant Lentivirus, and Co-infection in Emilia Ro-magna Flocks

Background: Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) are major pathogens affecting sheep and goats, leading to significant economic losses and animal welfare concerns. Aim: To investigate the frequency of SRLV e MAP seropositivity in sheep and goats in the Emilia Romagna region through a comprehensive serological examination. Methods: A total of 387 sera (304 sheep and 81 goats) were subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of antibodies against SRLV serotypes A, B, and E and for the detection of antibodies against MAP. Results: Serological analysis showed that 81.3% of the animals were positive for at least one causative agent, of which 93% were positive for SRLV, 0.3% for MAP, and 6.6% for SRLV-MAP co-infection. Furthermore, in both SRLV-only positive and SRLV-MAP co-infected samples, genotype B was the most representative (45.7%). Conclusion: The results of the study showed the presence of SRLV and paratuberculosis, as well as a prevalence of SRLV-MAP co-infection, for the first time in sheep and goats in the region, as well as the prevalence of SRLV-MAP co-infection, underlying the importance of implementing effective measures to control the spread of pathogens in small ruminants.