A chronic bacterial intestinal infection of cattle, sheep, goats and other ruminants, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, that produces progressive weight loss and diarrhea despite normal appetite, usually appearing years after an animal was infected as a calf or lamb. It is present in dairy and beef herds in most countries with significant livestock industries, and because infected animals can shed the bacteria for years before showing symptoms, it is notoriously difficult to eliminate from an infected herd.
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Cattle, Livestock Johne's disease (paratuberculosis) is a chronic wasting intestinal disease of cattle.
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1. Johne's Disease (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationOpening definition paragraph
Paratuberculosis is a contagious, chronic and sometimes fatal infection that primarily affects the small intestine of ruminants. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis. Infections normally affect ruminants, but have also been seen in a variety of nonruminant species, including rabbits, foxes, and birds. Horses, dogs, and nonhuman primates have been infected experimentally.
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A chronic bacterial intestinal infection of cattle, sheep, goats and other ruminants, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, that produces progressive weight loss and diarrhea despite normal appetite, usually appearing years after an animal was infected as a calf or lamb.
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