The report of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in a wild goat (Capra aegagrus) in Iran

Wild and domestic ruminants become infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) leads to chronic enteritis, known as Johne’s disease (JD). An eight-year-old male wild goat (Capra aegagrus) that lived in the wildlife breeding center in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province with symptoms of prolonged diarrhea that did not respond to antibiotic treatment was referred to a veterinary center. After a while, the animal died. JD was diagnosed after laboratory diagnosis (by acid-fast staining). The present study reported the incidence of JD in a wild goat in Iran for the first time. The economic losses and animal health should be considered. Since 2020, the wild goat (Capra aegagrus) has been classified in the category Near Threatened (NT) near treated on the list (International Union for Conservation of Nature) IUCN. Therefore, protecting the health of these species is essential. The importance of carrier animals and reservoirs in wildlife should be given special attention.