Description
Johne’s disease is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), a slow-growing, acid-fast bacterium belonging to the Mycobacterium avium complex. This pathogen infects the intestinal tract of ruminants (primarily cattle, sheep, and goats), leading to chronic inflammation, malabsorption, progressive weight loss, and eventual death. MAP is highly persistent in the environment and can survive for months to years in soil, water, and feces. It is transmitted mainly through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated feed, water, or colostrum. The bacterium is also considered a potential zoonotic agent, with possible links to Crohn’s disease in humans, though this remains controversial.
