JOHNE'S DISEASE

also called Paratuberculosis, serious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium (or Bacillus) paratuberculosis. Although principally a disease of cattle, it can affect horses, sheep, deer, and goats. Cows may not show signs of the disease for as long as a year after exposure to it. Chronic diarrhea and loss of weight are prominent effects; a substantial drop in milk production also occurs. A diseased animal's coat becomes rough and does not shed as usual; the skin dries. The disease is spread chiefly in the droppings of diseased animals. Slaughter of afflicted animals is advocated as a control.