To determine if Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis has persisted in tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes) at Point Reyes National Seashore (California, USA), 100 fresh fecal samples were collected. Feces were cultured on a modified BACTEC 12B radiometric medium for detection of M. avium paratuberculosis. Four samples, coming from two separate groups of elk tested positive for M. avium paratuberculosis. Thus, a noninvasive technique was used to document the continued presence of M. avium paratuberculosis in elk at Point Reyes National Seashore. These findings document persistence of this organism for a period of at least 13 yr in a free ranging herd of elk, with a 6 yr absence of observed clinical signs.
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1 July 1997
Radiometric culture of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis from the feces of tule elk
W. E. Cook,
T. E. Cornish,
S. Shideler,
B. Lasley,
M. T. Collins
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Vol. 33 • No. 3
July 1997
Vol. 33 • No. 3
July 1997
Cervus elaphus nannodes
feces
Johne's disease
Mycobacterium avium paratuberctdosis
radiometric culture
tule elk