Shepherds Research Articles

Listeriosis: Characteristics, Occurrence in Domestic Animals, Public Health Significance, Surveillance and Control.

Listeriosis is a dangerous zoonosis caused by bacteria of the genus Listeria, with Listeria monocytogenes (LM) being the most pathogenic species. Listeria monocytogenes has been detected in various animal species and in humans, and its ability to evolve from an environmental saprophyte to a powerful intracellular pathogen is driven by the invasion mechanisms and virulence factors that enable cell invasion, replication and cell-to-cell spread. Key regulatory systems, including positive regulatory factor A (PrfA) and the stress-responsive sigma factor σB, control the expression of virulence genes and facilitate invasion of host cells. Listeriosis poses a significant threat to cattle, sheep and goat herds, leading to abortions, septicemia and meningoencephalitis, and ruminants are important reservoirs for Listeria, facilitating transmission to humans. Other Listeria species such as Listeria ivanovii and Listeria innocua can also cause disease in ruminants. Resilience of LM in food processing environments makes it an important foodborne pathogen that is frequently transmitted through contaminated meat and dairy products, with contamination often occurring along the food production chain. In humans, listeriosis primarily affects immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women and the elderly and leads to severe conditions, such as meningitis, septicemia and spontaneous abortion. Possible treatment requires antibiotics that penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Despite the relatively low antimicrobial resistance, multidrug-resistant LM strains have been detected in animals, food and the environment. Controlling and monitoring the disease at the herd level, along with adopting a One Health approach, are crucial to protect human and animal health and to minimize the potential negative impacts on the environment.

Bacterial, mycological and immunological status in a mixed sheep and goat herd in El Fayoum Governorate

Bacterial, mycological and immunological status in a mixed sheep and goat herd in El Fayoum Governorate

A Study of the Cereal Benches Based System for Protection of Soil in Algerian Oued Mellegue Tebessa Dry Lands

The study was intended to mitigate the destructive after-effects of erosion, where runoff water erodes the arable layers through the increased transport of soil particles. The study was conducted in Ain Zerga across 40 plots, covering an area of 405 hectares, during 2023 and 2024, with a focus on the dimensional evaluation of cereal beds. The evaluation mainly focused (a) on the durability of the structure, including the measurement of settlement, which indicates distribution and strength of resistance to climatic hazards, and (b) proportional sustainability and the interbank aspects. The height of benches, at 0.481± 0.086 m, and the length of 82.583 ± 24.203 m were influenced by height differences and the intensity of water flows. The retention of runoff water was influenced by the slope toward the natural spillway. Furthermore, the destructive intensity of the runoff, amplified by the sharp increase in altitude, was confirmed by statistically significant differences in the length, height, and number of cracks between the study sites (p-value = 0.000). The number of cracks per breach at the Gastel site (4.25 units) and Kef Mebdoua (3.917 units) was higher compared to Ain Zerga, Berket Frass, Ouled Mebarek, and Zlassde, where the number ranged from 0.750 to 1.583 units. The statistical significance in the number of cracks (p<0.001) signified that variation in cracks between the locations was due to the topographic steep slopes on site. The non-significant difference in width suggests that the observed differences could be due to the phenomenon of compaction following the annual infiltration of water on the ridges of cereal bench, plus the act of trampling constantly exercised by sheep and cattle herds when passing to the paths. This work proposed in this article is an attempt to structure a chain of impact analysis of risks and vulnerability of intensity via the sustainability of cereal bench carried out in the Tebessa region.

Surgical management of Coenurus gaigeri cyst in non-descriptive sheep herd in Karnataka

Surgical management of Coenurus gaigeri cyst in non-descriptive sheep herd in Karnataka

Development of an IoT-Based Device for Data Collection on Sheep and Goat Herding in Silvopastoral Systems.

To evaluate the ecosystem services of silvopastoral systems through grazing activities, an advanced Internet of Things (IoT) framework is introduced for capturing extensive data on the spatial dynamics of sheep and goat grazing. The methodology employed an innovative IoT system, integrating a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) tracker and environmental sensors mounted on the animals to accurately monitor the extent, intensity, and frequency of grazing. The experimental results demonstrated the high performance and robustness of the IoT system, with minimal data loss and significant battery efficiency, validating its suitability for long-term field evaluations. Long Range (LoRa) technology ensured consistent communication over long distances, covering the entire grazing zone and a range of 6 km in open areas. The superior battery performance, enhanced by a solar panel, allowed uninterrupted operation for up to 37 days with 5-min interval acquisitions. The GNSS module provided high-resolution data on movement patterns, with an accuracy of up to 10 m after firmware adjustments. The two-part division of the device ensured it did not rotate on the animals' necks. The system demonstrated adaptability and resilience in various terrains and animal conditions, confirming the viability of IoT-based systems for pasture monitoring and highlighting their potential to improve silvopastoral management, promoting sustainable practices and conservation strategies. This work uniquely focuses on documenting the shepherd's role in the ecosystem, providing a low-cost solution that distinguishes itself from commercial alternatives aimed primarily at real-time flock tracking.

Serological evidence of Coxiella burnetii in sheep herds from Lonquimay valley in the Chilean Andes

Serological evidence of Coxiella burnetii in sheep herds from Lonquimay valley in the Chilean Andes

Quantifying the dynamic of cereals and broadleaf plants in semi-arid grasslands using a high-spatial-resolution satellite imaging

The vegetation phenology in pasture grasslands temporarily changes during the growing season due to the different physiological properties of broadleaf and cereal species. Determining their dynamics is required for maximal pasture utilization and sustainability. Widely used low-spatial resolution satellites are suitable for plains but are less effective in patchy landscapes. Therefore, the study's objectives are: (i) to determine the dynamic of cereals and broadleaf vegetation in arid grasslands using high-spatial resolution satellite imaging data, and (ii) to determine the influence of different grazing intensities on grassland vegetation phenology. The study site is in Migda LTER farm, the northern Negev, Israel. Fifty-three grassland plots, sized 10x10m, were located. Seventeen plots were grazed: six heavily (90 min. per plot), five moderately (60 min.), and six lightly (30 min.). A sheep and goats' herd of 120–130 animals grazed on these plots once a year between April to May, from 2019 to 2023. As a reference, fenced, ungrazed plots were located, mainly covered by cereals (Conserved). Imaging data from PlanetScope® was acquired (Spatial resolution: 3 m pixel−1, Temporal: Once in three days, Spectral: RGB and NIR). Using a novel timeline analysis, based on normalizing the different treatments' NDVI by the Conserved values, yielded a three-phased result: a parabolic increase in fresh vegetation reflectance (FVR) from the treatment in the first and third phases, and a parabolic increase of FVR of the Conserved in the second phase. In most grazing treatments, phase duration and maximal NDVI were positively correlated to the rainfall amounts. Rehabilitation trends were calculated for the Lightly grazed, which was correlated to increased broadleaf biomass, while a degradation trend was found for the Heavily grazed. The findings indicate that a parabolic change takes place in vegetation composition in arid grasslands. The novel methodology we used can be adapted and utilized in other ecosystems.

Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Helminthiases Prevalent in Small Ruminants of Family Farm from Ceará-Brazil

This study aimed to perform a clinical and parasitological diagnosis of gastrointestinal Helminthiases and study some aspects of the parasitic dynamics in sheep and goat herds of family farming in Ceará-Brazil, aiming to contribute to the control of worms in these animals. For this, visits were made to family farms, and animals were evaluated, applied the Famacha exam, and examined the body condition score. In addition, fecal samples were collected directly from the rectal ampulla, always in the morning, from 10 goats and 36 sheep randomly within each category (young and adult). Subsequently, the samples were submitted to macroscopic examination and processing by routine methods in helminthology: EPG (number of eggs per gram of feces) and EOPG (number of eimeriid oocysts per grams of feces). The data were tabulated in a Microsoft Office Excel spreadsheet and expressed as arithmetic means and percentages. Of the total of 46 animals, 26 were positive for the presence of helminth, and 20 were negative for any gastrointestinal parasite. Strongyloidea and Eimeria were the most frequent, both in goats and sheep. In this study, it was observed that sheep had a higher frequency of animals positive for Strongyloidea eggs (58.3%) compared to goats (30%). In conclusion, the results showed that gastrointestinal Helminths are frequent in goat and sheep herds of the family farm of Ceará. The main gastrointestinal helminths that affect goats and sheep raised in these localities are Strongyloidea, as well as Eimeria oocysts.

Neosporosis in Naturally Infected Sheep Herds, a Prospective Cohort Study over Three Years

Background: Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite and a main cause of abortions in cattle worldwide. However, its role in abortions and decreased fertility in sheep is not completely understood, especially due to the complex, multifactorial etiology of abortions. This study aimed to perform a longitudinal field study to investigate the epidemiology of neosporosis and its effect on fertility in endemic sheep herds. Methods: Serological (IFAT) and clinical (outcome of pregnancy) data from 153 ewe-lambs was collected in four intensive management farms in Israel during three consecutive pregnancies. Results: The seroprevalence in ewe-lambs at different farms varied between 24% and 93%. The overall seroprevalence increased from 50% in ewe-lambs to 96.6% at the end of the third pregnancy. Horizontal infection was observed in all farms, with seroconversion in 59% of seronegative sheep. Abortion rates were lower (p = 0.004) in seropositive ewes in the first pregnancy and not significantly higher in seropositive sheep in consecutive pregnancies. Seropositivity or seroconversion were not associated with abortions or repeated abortions; however, many aborting ewes were removed from the flock. Conclusions: No direct short- or long-term association was found between Neopsora infection and abortions. The variations between flocks and pregnancies suggest a more complex etiology.

Sustainable Sheep and Goat Farming in Arid Regions of Jordan

This study examines the sustainability of livestock farming in Jordan’s arid regions, focusing on smallholder Awassi sheep and Baladi goat farming. It assesses breeders, economic factors, herd productivity, and sustainability, evaluating the vitality of these breeds by examining reproductive success through birth and survival rates. In 2021–2022, a total of 53 traditional Awassi sheep and Baladi goat farms in Northern Jordan’s Mafraq Governorate were surveyed using a comprehensive questionnaire to gather data on breeders’ information, farm economics, and herd indicators. Dry seasons in arid lands are tough on sheep and goats, with limited fodder and water availability harming their health and reproductive capacity. While wet seasons bring relief, they can also introduce diseases. Special care for these animals throughout the year is crucial to maintain healthy herds in arid regions. Linear models were employed to analyze sample data, with variance and correlation tests used to explore relationships among variables. Additionally, chi-squared analysis was utilized to assess the impact of male replacement plans on these herds. The main outcomes of this study reveal that breeder indicators pose challenges to the sustainability and growth of Awassi sheep and Baladi goat farming. Conversely, economic indicators suggest a blend of financial stability alongside obstacles related to profitability and resource ownership. Breeder age emerges as a significant factor in livestock herd management, influenced by elements such as experience, resource availability, and adherence to traditional practices. Experience notably influences breeders’ decisions regarding male insemination replacements, likely due to acquired skills. Crop cultivation is shown to reduce fodder costs, thereby enhancing profitability for each young animal sold and consequently increasing the breeders’ returns. Winter conditions elevate animal mortality rates due to cold stress, while other animals within herds contribute to increased kid mortality by facilitating disease transmission. Breeder experience significantly impacts lamb survival, underscoring its importance in ensuring proper care. Increasing ewe proportions within herds enhances lamb production and lowers lamb mortality rates. Effective ram management and yearling lamb sales further contribute to herd health and productivity. A higher proportion of goats within a herd positively correlates with the number of young yearlings sold but inversely affects breeding males and overall kid numbers, indicating a delicate balance that influences herd productivity and mortality rates. Sheep (92.5%) and goat herds (90.6%) demonstrate reproductive success, indicative of superior long-term vitality. While sheep excel in birth rates, survival, and sales, they exhibit lower ewe and lambing percentages. Goat farming demonstrates high birth rates, sales, and overall success but requires particular attention to ensuring kid survival, especially during the winter months. Improving the characteristics of the Awassi sheep and Baladi goat flocks is crucial for ensuring sustainability, achievable through proper care practices in dry lands. In conclusion, despite the challenges, there are promising opportunities to enhance sheep and goat farming in Jordan. Effective management, informed by the breeders’ experience and economics, is crucial. Empowering small-scale herders and implementing targeted interventions, like winter mortality solutions and selective breeding, is vital for sustainable growth.

Age at puberty in Obispo Creole lambs from La Montaña of Guerrero, Mexico

Objective. Determine the age and body weight at the onset of puberty in Criollo Obispo lambs from a sheep herd. Materials and methods. The present study was carried out ex situ (18⁰ 15’ 52’’ LN). 10 lambs born during the spring were used, which were detected at 3 m of age. The detachment of the urethral process was verified at the age of 5.0 to 5.5 months of age. A semen sample was taken every two weeks with the help of an electro-ejaculator. Sperm concentration was evaluated with a digital photometer, while light microscopy was used for progressive motility and sperm morphology. The Kaplan-Meier procedure was used to estimate the risk or survival time function.to determine the days of onset of puberty. A male is considered to have entered puberty when the ejaculate registers at least 150 million sperm per mL, with a minimum of 50% abnormal cells and a motility greater than 30%. Results. It was observed that the average age of onset of puberty was 211.4±25.09 d, with a body weight of 19.3±1.27 kg. Conclusions. Criollo Obispo lambs begin puberty at 7 m of age and with a body weight of 19.3±1.27 kg.

Anthrax: Distribution, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Pastoralists in Jawhar, Qalimow and Adan Yabal Somalia.

Anthrax is a Zoonotic Disease (both Human and Animals) the disease is causing higher morbidity and mortality rate in Middle-Shebelle Somalia. Anthrax is a rare infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthraces. It was reported in many parts of the region the disease is endemic that effects production with the pastoralists with an incidence >30% of their livestock production system. In a study to determine the status of anthrax in pastoralists in three selected area of Middle-Shebelle: Jawhar, Qalimow, and Aaden yabaal with Forty two herds were also used. The three selected area of the study were the most livestock populations in Middle-Shebelle. A structured Questionnaire was used to capture pastoralists Knowledge, Attitude and Their Practice with regards of Anthrax Disease. A cross-sectional survey was conducted contemporaneously with focus group discussions (FGDs) and key Informant interviews (KIIs) between May 2020 and April 2021. A Four Hundreds (4OO) of Households were visited via Personal interview. The existence of the disease per herd were estimated that 18.1% of camel herds, 34.3% of cattle herds and 47.6% of small ruminants flocks. Thus the summary of the KAP Results indicated that there was lack of Knowledge and Practice Gap among pastoralists related anthrax Disease. Generally, majority of farmers were practicing poorly in livestock community that was created the distribution of the disease. Therefore, the cattle sheep and goat herds should aware the diseases about the characterization and controlling systems through extending and trading for pastoralists and households. In addition, further assessment and control coverage with anthrax disease will highly option of essentials.

Could ancient Yamnaya dairying explain the environmental component of multiple sclerosis?

On January 10th, 2024, Barrie et al. published a landmark paper identifying the ancestral European origin of the high-risk, multiple sclerosis (MS) allele, HLA-DRB1*15:01. The authors hypothesize that Bronze Age, Yamnaya migration to, and their population of Scandinavia and the British Isles, accounts for the high incidence of MS in these regions, stemming from the geographical spread of HLA-DRB1*15:01 as evidenced by their data. These data further indicate that this immune-related allele likely underwent positive-selection pressures, suggesting that HLA-DRB1*15:01 may have conferred increased immunological resistance to zoonotic pathogens that the Yamnaya would have been exposed to from a lifestyle of sheep, goat, and cattle herding, as well as from the prevalent consumption of dairy products harvested from these animals. We wish to expand the scope of the Barrie et al. hypothesis to include the other gene that emerged in their extensive genomic analysis; the lactase persistence allele, LCT/MCM6, which allows adults to consume milk beyond childhood without adverse physical effects. We propose that, in addition to the Yamnaya spread of HLA-DRB1*15:01, their spread of LCT/MCM6 engendered a cultural propensity for milk consumption that may play a significant role in the present-day, global distribution of MS. Specifically, we hypothesize that lactose tolerance, and the prominent dairy consumption it enables, may expose individuals to the enteric, dairy-animal pathogen, Clostridium perfringens type B/D and its Epsilon neurotoxin that targets the precise brain tissues damaged during each MS relapse.

Shepherding the past: High-resolution data on Neolithic Southern Iberian livestock management at Cueva de El Toro (Antequera, Málaga).

The feeding strategies of the first domesticated herds had to manage the risks arising from the novelty of livestock practices in territories often distant from the animals' primary habitats. The Iberian Peninsula is characterised by a great diversity of environments, which undoubtedly influenced these dynamics. At the beginning of the Neolithic period these led the possibility to combine diverse livestock farming practices based on different animal feeding habits. This variability is also consistent with the rythms of adoption of domesticated animals, being later on the northern area. In order to address this issue, this work focuses on the dietary regimes of early sheep herds from southern Iberia, an area for which information is currently scarce. This study utilises high-resolution radiocarbon dating and stable isotope data on teeth to investigate sheep husbandry management strategies in Cueva de El Toro (Antequera, Málaga). The radiocarbon dates on the analysed remains evidenced they were deposited at the site over a short period, supporting the recurrent use of the cave. The sequential analysis of oxygen and carbon isotopes in tooth enamel reveals distinct livestock management strategies, reproduction patterns, feeding habits, and mobility during this short period. This variability demonstrates that livestock management practices in the western Mediterranean are more diverse than previously considered. Furthermore, these findings support the hypothesis that early Neolithic communities in the southern Iberian Peninsula were able to adopt different feeding strategies within the same herd, depending on their ecological and productive needs.

Route design in sheepdog system–traveling salesman problem formulation and evolutionary computation solution–

ABSTRACT In this study, we consider the guidance control problem of the sheepdog system, which involves the guidance of a flock using the characteristics of the sheepdog and sheep. Sheepdog systems require strategies to guide sheep agents to a goal area using small numbers of sheepdog agents, and various methods have been proposed. Previous studies have proposed a guidance control law to reliably guide sheep herds; however, the movement distance required by the sheepdog for guidance has not been considered. Therefore, in this study, we propose a novel guidance algorithm in which a supposedly efficient route for guiding a flock of sheep is designed via the traveling salesman problem and evolutionary computation. Numerical simulations were performed to confirm whether sheep flocks could be guided and controlled using the obtained guidance routes. We revealed that the proposed method reduces both the guidance failure rate and the guidance distance.

Prediction of sheep bulk milk coagulation properties from mid-infrared spectral data

The technological features of milk are essential for cheese manufacturing. This is particularly true for Italy, where most of the milk produced by sheep is intended for cheese production. The possibility to evaluate technological characteristics and coagulation aptitude of milk in advance, before any treatment, is crucial for decision-making at industry level. In the present study, we tested the ability of mid-infrared spectroscopy for prediction of coagulation traits (rennet coagulation time and curd firmness) by using more than 4000 bulk milk samples of 344 sheep herds. The models developed with a partial least square regression showed that spectral data points can be successfully used to predict the two traits. The coefficient of determination in external validation was 0.42 for rennet coagulation time and 0.28 for curd firmness, indicating that sheep milk delivered to dairies can undergo a preliminary screening only to assess the expected coagulation time. This finding will allow manufacturers to evaluate the milk received from farmers. Further investigation will be need to improve the prediction of rennet coagulation time that can be coupled with composition traits to define premiums or penalties in the payment system.

Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey of Ectoparasites in Sheep from Central Tunisia: Does Low Prevalence Indicate Good Hygiene or Resistance to Ectoparasites?

Sheep ectoparasites such as chewing lice, fleas and ticks are serious constraints to sheep productivity and are the cause of skin lesions in animals that decrease their market value. This study aims at investigating the ectoparasite fauna infesting small ruminants in the district of Sidi Bouzid (central Tunisia). A total of 1243 Barbarine and Queue Fine de l'Ouest (QFO) sheep were examined every two months for one year. Of the total animals examined, 74 were infested by at least 1 parasite group (5.95%). Three ectoparasite groups were identified as Psoroptes ovis (0.48%; 6/1243), ticks (5.3%; n = 66/1243) and one specimen of Ctenocephalides canis (0.08%; n = 1/1243). The most abundant tick among the 358 specimens was Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (n = 337; 94.1%), followed by Hyalomma impeltatum (n = 7/358; 1.9%), H. dromedarii (n = 7/358; 1.9%), H. excavatum (n = 5/358; 1.4%) and only two specimens of H. scupense (n = 2/358; 0.55%). The sheep herds showed low infestation prevalence by ectoparasite over the year, with a significant difference according to the seasons (p < 0.05). A higher infestation prevalence was recorded in March (14.36%). Barbarine sheep breed showed significantly higher infestation prevalence (16.8%) compared to QFO (0.8%) (p < 0.01). There were no differences in infestation prevalence according to sex of the animal or age groups. Knowledge of the ectoparasite population harboured by sheep, its activity dynamics and risk factors is required to develop effective ectoparasite control options. The low prevalence of ectoparasite infestation in sheep reported here may be due to possible genetic resistance or simply to successful hygiene measures implemented by farmers.

Controlling Coxiella burnetii in naturally infected sheep, goats and cows, and public health implications: a scoping review.

Q fever is a worldwide zoonotic disease which domestic ruminants are the main source of infection for humans. This scoping review summarizes the control measures currently available to reduce Coxiella burnetii (Cb) infection in naturally infected sheep, goat and cattle herds. A total of 28 articles were included in the review. A lack of methodological standardization was noted in the articles analyzed. The results indicated that long-term vaccination in cows reduces bacterial excretion in milk and environmental contamination. In small ruminants, the results of vaccination in terms of efficacy are variable. In goats, there is a reduction in bacterial excretion, unlike in sheep, where a long-term vaccination program is necessary to reduce bacterial excretion. Moreover, the high persistence of viable Cb in the environment means that control measures for sheep are needed for several years. The use of antibiotics as a control measure in cows and sheep was not found to reduce excretion. However, the combination of vaccination with antibiotic therapy appears to have positive effects in small ruminants in terms of controlling outbreaks of Q fever. Hygiene and biosecurity measures are the basic means for controlling Cb infection on ruminant farms and ensuring public health.

Serological Evidence for Circulation of Influenza D Virus in the Ovine Population in Italy.

Influenza D virus (IDV) is a novel orthomyxovirus initially isolated from pigs exhibiting influenza-like disease in the USA. Since then, IDV has been detected worldwide in several host species, including livestock animals, whilst specific antibodies have been identified in humans, raising concerns about interspecies transmission and zoonotic risks. Few data regarding the seroprevalence of IDV in small ruminants have been available to date. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of antibodies against IDV in ovine serum samples in Sicily, Southern Italy. Six hundred serum samples, collected from dairy sheep herds located in Sicily in 2022, were tested by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus neutralization (VN) assays using reference strains, D/660 and D/OK, representative of two distinct IDV lineages circulating in Italy. Out of 600 tested samples, 168 (28.0%) tested positive to either IDV strain D/660 or D/OK or to both by HI whilst 378 (63.0%) tested positive to either IDV strain D/660 or D/OK or to both by VN. Overall, our findings demonstrate that IDV circulates in ovine dairy herds in Sicily. Since IDV seems to have a broad host range and it has zoonotic potential, it is important to collect epidemiological information on susceptible species.

Large-scale serological survey on Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection in sheep and goat herds in Sicily, Southern Italy.

Paratuberculosis (PTB) is a worldwide chronic, contagious enteric disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) mainly affecting ruminant species. PTB is a WOAH-listed disease with direct and indirect economic losses in the livestock sector, negative impact on animal welfare and significant public health concerns. In spite of this, MAP prevalence in small ruminants is still unknown and the prevalence appears to be underestimated in many countries. The aim of this study is providing a first large-scale serological survey on MAP infection in small ruminants in Sicily, a region of Southern Italy with the 11.3 and 8.9% Italian national heritage of sheep and goats, respectively. For this purpose, we analyzed a total of 48,643 animals reared in 439 flocks throughout Sicily. MAP seroprevalence was estimated both at herd-level and animal-level within breeds reared in all the nine sampled provinces. Our results revealed a high overall apparent prevalence at herd-level of 71.8% in sheep and 60.8% in goat farms with an animal-level prevalence of 4.5 and 5.1% in sheep and goats, respectively. Significant statistical differences were found between the provinces and within the breeds both in sheep and goats. Our study provides the first large-scale serological survey on PTB infection in small ruminants in Sicily and showed a high prevalence of disease depending to the species, breed and province. This study represents the first step to better understand the MAP epidemiology in a typical Mediterranean breeding context, suggesting the need of in-depth study on the herds risk factors, including the eventual presence of candidate genes for resistance/susceptibility to PTB in native breeds.