The purpose of this project was to survey for Johne's disease (paratuberculosis) in caribou herds in Canada and Greenland. Johne's disease is a contagious, chronic and sometimes fatal infection that primarily affects the small intestine of ruminants. It is caused by the Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) bacterium.

In partnership with CARMA and northern wildlife agencies we examined fecal samples for the presence of MAP in order to determine the spatial distribution of Johne's disease in caribou and to compare among herds. Fecal samples were cultured for MAP and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect genetic material from MAP if present.  When possible, serum samples were also tested for antibodies against MAP. Comparisons will be made between different herds.
Based on results in 2008, we decided to collect additional samples in 2009 to improve diagnostic sensitivity. These included ileum and ileo-caecal lymph nodes from caribou of the George River, Leaf River, Kangerlussuaq-Sisimiut, and Bathurst herds. Lab analyses of these samples are scheduled for 2011.