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The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of Small Ruminants Lentiviruses (SRLV: Caprine arthrite encephalitis virus, CAEV, and Maedi-Visna, MVV) and characterize the social/economical profile of the farms in the semi-arid region of Portal do Sertão, Sisal e Bacia do Jacuípe, in the state of Bahia, Brazil. Sera from goats (n= 1046) and sheep (704) were collected to detect antibodies against CAEV and MVV by Agar Immunodifusion (AGID) and ELISA and Western Blot for CAEV. A questionnaire was applied to each farm where sera were collected in order to define the social/economical profile. The results obtained by AGID showed no positive goats and sheep for infection by CAEV or MVV, respectively, but 5/755 sera were positive for CAEV by ELISA and confirmed by Western blot. The questionnaire analysis showed a low technical profile in the smallholders, under familiar management, whose flocks were raised in an extensive system destined to self-consumption or local trading. In conclusion, this work demonstrated a low incidence of SRLV, and that the production in the farms of the semi-arid region is based mainly in goat and sheep herds without specific breed, destined for for self-consumption or local commercialization.