Introduction

Johne's disease or paratuberculosis is an infectious disease, caused by Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, has been described in numerous ruminant species. In cattle, intractable diarrhea, emaciation and hypoproteinemia in animals older than 19 months characterize the disease. This study was conducted to detect the presence of paratuberculosis in cattle in the high altitude region of Yasouj, Iran, from March 2001 to March 2002.

Methods and Materials

In order to investigate the presence of paratuberculosis in Yasouj region, from 40 cattle that were older than 4 years and characterized by intractable diarrhea and emaciation, smears from faeces and mucosal scrapings have been prepared and stained by Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Liver biopsies for trace element (copper, cobalt, iron, Manganese) analysis have been done, too.

Results

On microscopic examination specific bacilli characteristics of paratuberculosis were observed in 6 cases. The results of this study showed the presence of paratuberculosis in Yasouj region. The prevalence of the disease in suspected cattle above 4 years old was 1.5 percent. Trace element (copper, cobalt, iron, Manganese) analysis on liver biopsy of confirmed clinical cases showed a significantly (p<0.05) lowered level in contrast to non-infected healthy cattle.

Conclusion

It seems that, the disease should be carefully monitored in the region and preventive measures be considered.