Seroprevalence of Maedi-Visna Infection in Sheep in the Central Black Sea Region of Türkiye

Abstract

Maedi-Visna is a slowly progressive infection of sheep that affects the respiratory and nervous systems and causes significant yield losses worldwide. This study was conducted to assess the seroprevalence of Maedi-Visna infection in sheep across several provinces in the Central Black Sea region of Türkiye, namely Samsun, Sinop, Ordu, Giresun, Amasya and Tokat. A total of 476 sheep serum samples were collected for further analysis. The presence of antibodies in the sera was determined by Ab ELISA. As a result of the study, 263 (55.25%) blood serum samples were positive for the presence of MVV antibodies. Seropositivity rates by province were as follows: Samsun 45%, Sinop 80%, Ordu 58.75%, Giresun 35%, Amasya 38.75%, Tokat 75%. Notably, our findings suggest a significantly high seroprevalence of Maedi-Visna infection in this region compared to other studies conducted in different parts of Türkiye This information is pivotal for understanding the extent of the infection in the sheep population of the Central Black Sea region and can contribute to the development of strategies for disease management and control.