Paratuberculosis also known as Johne's disease, is a granulomatous enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), an acid-fast bacillus that preferentially resides within host intestinal macrophages. The condition is most commonly seen in domestic ruminants, however MAP can also infect other mammalian species. Paratuberculosis shows a global distribution and is considered endemic in some regions. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE, Office International des Epizooties), have classified paratuberculosis as a notificable disease; considered to be of socio-economic and/or public-health importance, the control of which is necessary for the international trade of animal and animal products. The importance of paratuberculosis is related primarily to economic losses in the animal industry and also because of a potential role for this bacterium in the pathogenesis of Crohn´s disease, a debilitating condition affecting the digestive tract of humans. In Brazil, paratuberculosis has been reported in a variety of ruminant species and shows a broad geographic distribution. The reported incidence of natural cases in Brazil has been limited, but it is believed that interespecific transmission of MAP and dissemination of the agent is driven by the commercialization of infected animals. The main objective of this paper was to collate the published epidemiological, clinic-pathological and diagnostic information in relation to paratuberculosis in cattle, buffaloes, goats and sheep in Brazil. Moreover, it served as a platform to emphasize the requirement to implement sanitary policies for control of MAP in the county, which may serve to improve the quality and value of animal products on international markets.
Paratuberculosis; Johne's disease; cattle; buffaloes; sheep; goats; Brazil
