Wildlife and paratuberculosis: a review

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Wildlife Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Paratuberculosis (PTB) is an infectious enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP), leading to substantial economic losses in livestock.
• Research on PTB in wildlife species, both free-living and captive, remains less extensive compared to domestic animals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential impact of MAP infection on various wildlife species.
• To determine the relevance of wildlife as reservoirs for MAP in the context of domestic ruminant PTB control.
• To assess the significance of MAP in wildlife concerning potential interferences with tuberculosis diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review of existing references on Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP).
• Analysis of reported MAP prevalence data in different wildlife populations.
• Synthesis of findings to address the study's objectives regarding impact, reservoir potential, and diagnostic interference.

Main Results:

• The mean prevalence of MAP in surveyed wildlife populations was reported as 2.41%.
• MAP is a significant disease concern in farmed cervids, but its impact on free-ranging wildlife species appears questionable.
• While local MAP reservoirs in wildlife might exist, their overall significance for controlling PTB in domestic ruminants is considered limited.

Conclusions:

• The most critical implication of MAP infection in wildlife is its interference with tuberculosis diagnostic tests.
• MAP poses a notable disease risk for farmed cervids, necessitating targeted surveillance and management.
• The role of wildlife as a widespread reservoir for MAP transmission to livestock is likely limited, though local transmission dynamics warrant consideration.