Paratuberculosis, Animal Welfare and Biosecurity: A Survey in 33 Northern Italy Dairy Goat Farms

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Paratuberculosis is a chronic incurable bacterial infection widespread all over the world in ruminants. The disease impacts animal health and welfare and causes significant economic losses in animal productions. This survey investigated the spread of paratuberculosis in northern Italian dairy goat farming by serological testing. Contextually, a welfare and biosecurity assessment through a standardized protocol was conducted. More than half (19 out of 33, 58%) of the investigated farms were infected, with a mean intra-herd prevalence of 7.4%. Welfare assessment showed quite favorable average results, although in 24% of the farms the welfare level was poor. On the contrary, 58% of the farms showed an unsatisfactory biosecurity level. Our results provide information on the spread of paratuberculosis in dairy goat farms of northern Italy. For this relevant disease, official prevalence data in goat breeding are still scarce. Moreover, the present work highlighted the low level of biosecurity measures implemented by the farmers. ABSTRACT: Paratuberculosis is a notable infectious disease of ruminants. Goats appear to be particularly susceptible. The survey aimed to investigate the spread of paratuberculosis in Italian goat farming and evaluate whether the presence of the disease could be influenced by welfare and biosecurity deficiencies. A serological survey for paratuberculosis in 33 dairy farms in northern Italy was conducted. Contextually, animal welfare and biosecurity were assessed, using a standardized protocol of 36 welfare indicators and 15 biosecurity indicators which assigns to each farm a welfare and biosecurity score from 0 (any application) to 100% (full application). An overall result of less than 60% was considered insufficient. Nineteen farms (58%) tested positive for paratuberculosis, with a mean intra-herd seroprevalence of 7.4%. Total welfare ranged from 39.56 to 90.7% (mean 68.64%). Biosecurity scores ranged from 10.04 to 90.01% (mean 57.57%). Eight farms (24%) showed poor welfare conditions (welfare score < 60%) and 19 (58%) an unsatisfactory biosecurity condition (biosecurity score < 60%). With respect to the explorative character of the study, an indicative association between seven welfare and biosecurity indicators and paratuberculosis seropositivity was identified. The presence of paratuberculosis in northern Italy dairy goat farms was confirmed. The welfare and biosecurity assessment protocol proved to be an accurate tool, capable of identifying critical points for managing health, welfare and productivity.