Bovine Tuberculosis and Johne's Disease

Bovine Tuberculosis and Johne Disease covers the primary mycobacterial diseases of animals. It explains acid-fast bacteria and the distinctive cell wall structure that is associated with this property. Specialised culture is required for Mycobacterium species, as these pathogenic species grow very slowly compared to the relatively harmless saprophytic mycobacteria. Bovine tuberculosis is the focus of this chapter with pathogenesis of the disease and cytokine-induced tissue damage now being well understood. Control of bovine tuberculosis through test and slaughter is important and the comparative intradermal skin test and IFN-γ stimulation test are explained. The role of the badger as a vector of tuberculosis in the UK is discussed together with mycobacterial infection in other animal species, protective vaccination and issues of treatment. Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis is pathogenic in the intestinal tract of ruminants where it is responsible for Johne disease. The pathogenesis and control of Johne's are considered.