Treatment of clinical paratuberculosis in cattle.

Paratuberculosis is a chronic, fatal condition that is usually clinically undetectable until the onset of copious diarrhea. Paratuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium paratuberculosis. Successful eradication of paratuberculosis depends on the early detection of infected animals, allowing removal of carrier animals from the herd. Treatment for paratuberculosis is therefore rarely indicated or undertaken. Treatment may, however, be considered in ruminants of exceptional genetic value or in companion animals.