The cattle population in Trinidad is 35,000 head and produces 10 million litres of milk and 800 thousand kilograms of meat annually. Currently, there are fewer water buffaloes, 5,000, and their milk is not marketed. Since dairy cattle have not proved to be a viable option for farmers in Trinidad for reasons related to economies of scale and high prevalence of diseases, the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is currently being assessed as a more profitable alternative to dairy cattle. However, there is serological evidence of paratuberculosis in the water buffaloes using ELISA and interferon-gamma. These serological tests still need to be evaluated for use in the water buffalo and compared with relevant results in cattle. The presence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) should be confirmed using culture methods and the prevalent strain identified. The prevalence and incidence of this etiological agent in the water buffalo population should also be determined. Since most farms are mixed, the potential for interspecies transmission and the role of the tropical environment in the survival of this species would provide information with practical implications for the local farmer. Management changes associated with using the water buffalo as a dairy animal, as opposed to the multipurpose role it plays at present, may introduce factors that increase transmission of Map. The impact of these new risk factors, such as increased herd size, needs to be assessed. Paratuberculosis is an under researched topic in Trinidad. Due to the intended increased economic role of water buffaloes, research efforts should be directed towards elucidation of the epidemiology of subclinical paratuberculosis in local water buffaloes population because this disease may be limiting the production capability of this species. The investigation of this etiological agent should lead to identification of cost-effective control options.