Abstract

Johne’s disease (JD), caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic progressive granulomatous enteritis of ruminants with significant economic implications for the dairy industry. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Johne’s disease in cattle in Wayanad district of Kerala using the indirect milk enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 282 milk samples were collected from lactating cattle across various localities in the Wayanad district and subjected to indirect ELISA (Prionics Paracheck 2) for the detection of MAP-specific antibodies. Among the 282 samples tested, 5 samples (1.77%) were found positive, indicating the presence of Johne’s disease in the cattle population of Wayanad district. The findings emphasise the need for continued epidemiological surveillance and the implementation of appropriate disease control measures to prevent further spread of MAP infection in the region.

Keywords : Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis; Milk ELISA; Paratuberculosis; Prevalence; Wayanad