Caracterização epidemiológica dos lentivírus de pequenos ruminantes na Região do Semiárido Paraibano - Brasil.

Abstract

This thesis is on the main aspects related to epidemiology of small ruminant lentivirus in the semiarid region of the Paraíba State, Brazil. Goat Arthritis-Encephalitis and Maedi Visna are chronic nature of disease and infected animals may not show clinical symptoms and stay for long periods without noticeable changes also act as carriers of the virus, so potential transmitters. There are, to date, specific treatments and vaccines capable of preventing infection by the virus and CAE Maedi Visna, hindering the successful prevention. The first chapter is related to a seroepidemiological survey was conducted aiming to identify the risk factors associated with the lentivirus occurrence. A total of 1,689 serum samples from 64 productive units (UP) from nine counties were used. Eight herds presented at least one seropositive animal, with prevalence of 12.5%. Of the 1,689 samples 15 were seropositive, with prevalence of 0,9%. The risk factors identified were property area (odds ratio=3.28; p=0.044), training of the owners (odds ratio=8.29; p=0.042) and use of controlled natural mating (odds ratio=6.78; p=0.012). In the second chapter it is comprised a serological survey of the small ruminant lentivirus infection in sheep and goars slaughtered in the State of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil semiarid. Of the 1,000 animals used, 28 (2.8%) were seropositive, with seroprevalence of 3% (15/500) in goats and 2.6% (13/500) in sheep. In the third chapter the aspects related to the characterization and tipology of the properties of sheep and goats in the State of Paraíba were analyzed, and productive systems were characterized as traditional and family farm.