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Paratuberculosis in farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Ireland
S B Power1, J Haagsma, D P Smyth
1Department of Agriculture and Food, Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland.
The Veterinary Record
|February 27, 1993
Summary
Paratuberculosis, a Johne's disease, was diagnosed in red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Ireland. This finding highlights the disease's presence in wild cervids and potential environmental factors like acidic soil.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Paratuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic granulomatous enteritis affecting ruminants.
- While well-documented in domestic livestock, its prevalence and impact in wild cervid populations, such as red deer (Cervus elaphus), remain less understood.
- Environmental factors, including soil conditions, are suspected to play a role in the transmission and persistence of MAP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the diagnosis and pathological findings of paratuberculosis in a herd of red deer in Ireland.
- To identify the causative agent, Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, and assess diagnostic test performance.
- To investigate potential contributing environmental factors for the disease outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination and post-mortem evaluation of affected red deer.
- Histopathological analysis of intestinal and lymph node tissues.
- Bacteriological isolation and identification of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis.
- Serological testing using complement fixation tests (CFT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).
Main Results:
- Paratuberculosis was diagnosed in three symptomatic red deer (hinds) and one asymptomatic yearling stag.
- Clinical signs included loss of condition and intermittent diarrhoea.
- Histopathology revealed severe granulomatous enteritis and lymphadenitis with acid-fast organisms identified.
- Mycobacterium paratuberculosis was successfully isolated from affected tissues.
- Serological tests showed higher antibody titres in clinically affected deer.
- Acidic soil conditions on the farm were considered a potential contributing factor.
Conclusions:
- This study confirms the presence of paratuberculosis in a red deer herd in Ireland, indicating a potential threat to wildlife populations.
- The findings underscore the importance of considering paratuberculosis in cervids presenting with compatible clinical signs and pathological lesions.
- Environmental factors, specifically acidic soil, may facilitate the environmental persistence and transmission of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in this ecosystem.
