Serological evidence and spatial analysis of small ruminant lentiviruses in herds in Maranhão, Brazil

Abstract

Caprine arthritis encephalitis and Maedi-Visna are lentiviruses affecting goats and sheep, respectively. Despite the literature having studies about these diseases, there is a constant demand and the need to study the health status of flocks that exploit economically. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the frequency of small ruminant lentiviruses explored in regional locations of Chapadinha and Itapecuru Mirim, that compose the microregion of Low Parnaíba, Maranhão, Brazil, as well as analyze the spatial distribution of outbreaks in the studied regions. Therefore, 241 properties were visited, where blood was collected in 1150 sheep and 1260 goats and tested by agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID). Epidemiological questionnaire was applied and collected the geographic coordinates. There was a low frequency for lentivirus, with 0.39% (5/1260) of goats and 0.08% (1/1150) of sheep. Regarding the spatial analysis, the reagent flocks were distributed in strategic cities for commercialization throughout the microregion. There was a low occurrence of lentiviruses. The municipalities of Cantanhede and Pirapemas of the regional of Itapecuru Mirim and Brejo and Magalhães de Almeida had reagent flocks for CAE. Whereas the municipality of Matões do Norte presented flock reagent to Maedi-Visna, this belonging to the regional of Chapadinha.