Epidemiological characterization and risk factors associated with lentivirus infection in small ruminants in the semiarid of Paraiba State, Northeastern Brazil

The aim of this survey was to determine the seroprevalence of small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) and to identify risk factors for the occurrence of seropositive goats and sheep in the semiarid region of Paraiba State. It were used 1,733 animals, being 1,274 goats from 62 Production Units (PU) and 459 sheep from 38 PU. For the serological diagnosis of lentivirus infection the agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID) was used. Of the 1,274 goats 15 (1.18%) were seropositive, and all 459 sheep were seronegative. Of the 62 goat herds eight (12.9%) presented at least one seropositive animal. Risk factors for the occurrence of seropositive goats were area of the property <= 35 ha (odds ratio = 3.28; p= 0.044), not training of producers (odds ratio = 8.29; p= 0.042) and use of uncontrolled natural mating (odds ratio = 6.78; p= 0.012). It is concluded that lentivirus infection detected by serology is spread in goat flocks in the semiarid of the State of Paraiba, and it is suggested to encourage the continous capacitation of owners, maintenance of reproducers negative for SRLV and use of artificial insemination aiming to avoid the physical contact among male and females.