International Journal of Cow Science
Year : 2005, Volume : 1, Issue : 1
First page : ( 16) Last page : ( 26)
Print ISSN : 0973-2241.

Paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) in cattle

Tripathi BN

Division of Pathology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122 (UP) India.

Abstract

Paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Though, it is primarily a disease of domestic and wild ruminants, the host range is wide and has been implicated with Crohn's disease in humans. The infection has been spreading insidiously through the animal population for about a century and has almost become endemic in most countries including India. This happened because of poor knowledge of the complex biology of the organism and the lack of adequate and sustained efforts to restrict the spread of infection. The disease causes heavy economic losses to the dairy industry. Epidemiology of the paratuberculosis infection is changing due to increase in the host range and strain variation. A number of diagnostic tests are available that can be appropriately used for the diagnosis and control of the disease. With the availability of complete sequence of MAP genome, several specific and novel genes have been identified that can be exploited for the diagnosis. In India, since the disease mainly occurs at the organised farms, sustained efforts by all key players may lead to the control of disease. In this paper, epidemiology, diagnosis, control and public health issues of Johne's disease in cattle have been briefly reviewed.

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Key words

Paratuberculosis, Johne's disease, Mycobacterium avium, cattle.

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