Post-mortem examination in the diagnosis of Johne's disease in goats

Abstract

Post-mortem examinations play an important role in Johne’s disease programmes in Norway. The results of such examinations of samples of viscera from 2997 goats carried out during the 5-year period 1972–1976 are given. The investigations show that the demonstration of macroscopical changes in mesenteric lymph nodes and small intestine has only limited value as a guideline in the post-mortem diagnosis of Johne’s disease in goats. Often macroscopical changes were not seen or they were non-specific. Caseous and/or calcified foci in mesenteric lymph nodes in infected animals were demonstrated quite often whilst observed intestinal changes were strikingly few. Corrugation of the mucosa was rare. However, in sections of macroscopically unchanged intestine marked epithelioid cell infiltrations and abundant acid-fast bacilli were not uncommon. In sporadic cases productive inflammation with tubercle formation was seen in lymph nodes in infected animals.

Bacteriological culture was by far the most reliable post-mortem diagnostic method. By this method 92% of the infected goats were detected. The corresponding figures for histological examination and microscopy were 54% and 47%, respectively.