A Serological Survey of Paratuberculosis in the Polish European Bison (Bison bonasus) Population in 2018–2021

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The European bison (Bison bonasus) is an endangered species which faces a number of health threats. One potentially dangerous disease is paratuberculosis, which can cause diarrhea and cachexia in animals and is a potentially dangerous disease for humans. The aim of this study was to conduct a serological survey of paratuberculosis in Polish bison herds. Of the tested 165 European bison, three were found to be positive, indicating that paratuberculosis is not currently an urgent problem in this population. However, as the appearance of symptomatic paratuberculosis in a single European bison subpopulation could be fatal for the restitution of the species as whole, further random checks are needed. ABSTRACT: The European bison (Bison bonasus) is an endangered species which faces a range of health threats. As little is known of exposure of European bison to paratuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium avium spp. paratuberculosis, known to cause losses in cattle, the aim of the present study was to conduct serological survey in Polish bison herds. Between September 2018 and February 2021, blood samples were collected from 165 European bison from different regions of Poland. Samples were taken whenever the animals were immobilized (e.g., putting on telemetry collars) as well as from any dead animal. The serum samples were tested with ELISA. Three individuals, originating from different captive herds, were found to be seropositive. In conclusion, it was found that Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infections are not currently a problem in European bison, especially in free-range herds.