Isolation of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis From Recycled Sand

Abstract

Johne's disease (JD), caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic untreatable disease of ruminants. It primarily affects the intestinal tract resulting in chronic diarrhea and weight loss. JD is transmitted to young stock through the ingestion of colostrum, milk or feedstuffs contaminated with MAP or through exposure to MAP contaminated environments. Many dairy farms use sand as a bedding material and new technology has been developed to recycle sand and reuse it. In some instances, recycled sand may be used for bedding of replacement heifers that are most susceptible to infection with MAP. This study was conducted to determine if MAP could be found in recycled sand, thus serving as a source of environmental exposure to susceptible animals.'