Transmission of Paratuberculosis

Abstract

The causative organism of paratuberculosis, Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, inhabits the intestinal tract and mesenteric lymph nodes of infected cows. While paratuberculosis has generally been regarded as an enteric infection, there is now evidence that the organism can disseminate to extra-intestinal sites such as uterus, supramammary lymph nodes, udder, sexual organs of bulls, and may be excreted directly in milk and semen.1,2,4-8,12,13,16,18 Recent studies would suggest that the likelihood of dissemination increases as extent of infection increases. Most clinical cases are likely to be disseminated.