Susceptibility of the lemming (Dicrostonyx rubricatus) to Mycobacterium paratuberculosis
Larsen, A.B.; Miller, J.M.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 40(11): 1657-1658
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 525886 Document Number: 139455
Susceptibility of the lemming to M. paratuberculosis was studied. Twelve lemmings were exposed to cultural material of M. paratuberculosis and were necropsied at 40-260 day intervals after exposure. Selected tissues were examined bacteriologically and histologically. M. paratuberculosis was recovered from all exposed lemmings except the one necropsied 40 days after exposure. Pathologic changes typical of paratuberculosis were seen in a few lemmings. Clinical signs of disease were not seen. Rate of growth and general appearance of exposed lemmings and normal controls did not differ. The extent of infection in this lemming species was similar to that seen in exposed hamsters. [The lemming species may be a suitable animal model for studies on paratuberculosis in ruminants].