Paratuberculosis Cases in the Livestock Industry in Nigeria: A Review

Abstract

Paratuberculosis, also known as Johne’s (Yo’-ness) disease, is a significant bacterial disease of large and small ruminants, including other animals, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Due to its impact on animal health and severe economic loss, the disease is recognized and reported in developed countries as a significant disease of livestock importance. The paper aims to review the current information about paratuberculosis in Nigeria. About 95 research articles were downloaded from various online journals databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, Research Gate, PubMed, and CABI abstracts based on the following keywords: Johne’s disease, paratuberculosis, Africa, prevalence, Nigeria, report, occurrence, and Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis. In addition to the perusal of organization databases, 60 research articles were used in writing this review article. Few cases and suspected cases of paraTB were reported in Nigeria by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Despite growing global concerns, Johne's disease can be considered an unreported disease of livestock animals in Nigeria based on the knowledge gap and lack of reports about this significant disease of livestock animals. Studies need to be carried out to address the knowledge gaps before the disease becomes endemic and causes severe economic and public health menace in Nigeria and, by extension, Sub-Saharan Africa.