Nelly Marquetoux
Doctor of Philosophy
Study Completed: 2017
College of Sciences
Citation
Thesis Title
Ovine Paratuberculosis - Transmission Dynamics and Cost-Effectiveness of Interventions
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
This thesis aimed at enhancing the knowledge about the epidemiology and control of paratuberculosis caused by infection with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in the New Zealand farming system, with a primary focus on sheep. Infection with MAP is endemic in all livestock species in New Zealand (NZ). In particular, 76% of NZ sheep flocks are infected. The organism can cause ovine Johne’s disease (OJD), a fatal chronic wasting disease associated with production loss and mortality, in a minority of individuals/flocks. Mrs Marquetoux studied MAP transmission at different scales, from between-farms to within-farm. Her results suggest that livestock movements between farms favour pathogen transmission and likely contribute to the high level of MAP infected farms in New Zealand. Simulation modelling at the farm-level provides options to support farmers’ decision-making and veterinary advice for managing sheep flocks with high OJD mortality. In particular, it demonstrates the value of vaccinating against OJD in such flocks.
Supervisors
Professor Cord Heuer
Professor Peter Wilson
Associate Professor Anne Ridler