Herd prevalence of Mycobacterium avium ssp paratuberculosis (MAP) in Hessian dairy herds

In the present study randomly selected dairy farms were tested using a boot swab sampling technique (environmental samples) in order to estimate the prevalence of Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in dairy herds in Hesse. Between October 2012 and May 2013 237 dairy farms were tested. In 21 of the samples tested MAP could be detected by culture and/or PCR. This corresponds to a share of 8.9% (5.6-13.2% with a confidence probability of 95%). The distribution of positive boot swab findings within the state showed no statistically significant accumulations. More than half (52.4%) of positive cases were found in larger dairy herds (> 70 lactating cows). Most of the boot swabs have been taken in herds with tied-up barn (49.4%).The proportion of positive findings there was the lowest (1.7%) compared to loose housing conditions (17%). At the beginning of 2015 Hesse initiated the MAP surveillance program "HEMAP". Twice a year boot swabs are taken to establish a MAP-environmental sample-unsuspicious status that progresses with increasing amounts of samples. Dairy farms with positive boot swab results have the opportunity to take part in a control programme to reduce within-herd prevalence and to work towards eradication on the long run.