Seroprevalence of maedi-visna in Canadian sheep.

A serological survey of Canadian sheep over one year of age was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of maedi-visna. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used. An analysis of 14,047 sera from 286 randomly selected flocks provided an estimate of the seroprevalence of 19% and a mean flock prevalence of 12%. Sixty-three percent of the sampled flocks had one or more seropositive sheep. There appeared to be higher prevalences in sheep in Quebec (40%) and Nova Scotia (27%). An increased prevalence with increased age and flock size was noted.