First report of paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) in sheep in Morocco

Paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) was suspected in a flock of approximately 1000 sheep after weight losses and scouring had increased in adult animals despite repeated anthelmintic treatment. A total of 10 ewes showing clinical symptoms were submitted to laboratory examination. Gross pathological and histological examination of tissue samples rendered results compatible with Johne's disease in all 10 ewes. The diagnosis could only be confirmed by cultural isolation and identification of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in the faeces of two ewes. This is considered the first documented isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in sheep in Morocco.