Ovine and Caprine Paratuberculosis – NAVLE Study Guide
Overview and Clinical Importance
Paratuberculosis (PTB), also known as Johne's disease (JD), is a chronic, contagious, granulomatous enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). This disease has significant economic impact on small ruminant production worldwide and represents a WOAH-listed disease requiring mandatory reporting.
The disease is characterized by a prolonged subclinical phase (2-5 years), progressive weight loss, and in terminal stages, diarrhea in some animals. Unlike cattle, diarrhea is NOT a consistent finding in sheep and goats - this is a critical distinction for NAVLE.
Etiology
Causative Agent
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is an acid-fast, Gram-positive, obligate intracellular bacterium that is mycobactin-dependent (cannot synthesize mycobactin, required for iron acquisition). MAP belongs to the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC).
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