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Association between soil type and paratuberculosis in cattle herds.
Michael P Ward1, Andres M Perez
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2027, USA.
American Journal of Veterinary Research
|January 15, 2004
Summary
Soil type influences paratuberculosis spread in cattle. Sandy loam and loam soils are linked to higher infection rates, while silt loam soils show lower prevalence. This finding aids in cattle disease control.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Epidemiology
- Soil Science
- Bovine Health
Background:
- Paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) is a chronic infectious disease in cattle.
- Understanding the environmental factors influencing disease transmission is crucial for effective control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between soil characteristics and the spatial distribution of paratuberculosis seroprevalence in Indiana cattle herds.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of paratuberculosis ELISA test results and herd locations from 92 Indiana cattle herds (1998-2002).
- Soil types were determined based on herd locations.
- Logistic regression was used to assess the association between soil types and clusters of herds with above-median paratuberculosis seroprevalence, adjusting for herd type.
Main Results:
- A spatial cluster of high paratuberculosis seroprevalence was identified in northeast Indiana.
- Herds in areas with low silt content, sandy loam, and loam soils showed a significantly higher likelihood of being within this high-prevalence cluster.
- Conversely, herds in silt loam soil areas were less likely to be in the high-prevalence cluster.
Conclusions:
- Soil characteristics are significantly associated with the spatial distribution of paratuberculosis in cattle herds.
- The survival of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis may be influenced by the silt and sand content in loamy soils.
- These findings can inform targeted paratuberculosis management and control strategies.