Fact Sheet Written by:
Ronald D. Welsh, Veterinary Microbiologist
Thomas R. Thedford, Extension Veterinarian Professor, Veterinary Medicine and Surgery
Shelia Karges, Virology Specialist
Dana Dirato, Manager, Serology Laboratory
And Provided by
Oklahoma State University
Johne’s Disease (pronounced yo-nee’s) is a disease of the intestinal tract of cattle and other ruminants. It is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, an acid fast bacteria very similar to the organism that causes tuberculosis
in man and animals. The organism M. paratuberculosis, however, only causes intestinal disease in ruminants. The greatest economic impact occurs in cattle, even though sheep, goats, llamas, and possibly other ruminants may also become infected and exhibit symptoms.
The organism is passed through the feces of infected animals. It will remain infective in contaminated feed, water, pasture, and equipment for extended times, as it is resistant to many disinfectants and environmental factors. Occasionally,
infection may occur in calves before birth or from the milk after birth.
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