Paratuberculosis (Johne's Disease)

Johne's (pronounced "Yoh-nees") disease, or paratuberculosis, is a fatal, gastrointestinal animal disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium ss. paratuberculosis. The infection happens in the first few months of an animal’s life but the animal may stay healthy for a long time. Symptoms of disease (rapid weight loss and diarrhea) may not show up for many months to years later.