Although Map is primarily known as a pathogen of cattle and other domesticated ruminants, natural and experimental Map infection of ruminant and non-ruminant wildlife has been well documented (Angus, 1990; Beard et al., 2001a, b; Buergelt et al., 2000; Chiodini and van Kruiningen, 1983; Cook et al., 1997; Dukes et al., 1992; Hillermark, 1966; Jessup et al., 1981; Libke and Walton, 1975; McClure et al., 1987; Nebbia et al., 2000; Riemann et al., 1979; Shulaw et al., 1986; Stehman, 1996; Williams et al., 1983). However, the prevalence of JD in wildlife in the United States has not been investigated. Quist (1998) summarized the reports of JD in wildlife in the United States and identified only two endemic foci: Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) in Colorado (Williams et al., 1979), and tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes) in California (Cook et al., 1997; Jessup et al., 1981). This could be interpreted as evidence of low JD prevalence in U.S. wildlife, but the lack of active surveillance suggests that data are insufficient to warrant any conclusions.

Sporadic cases or outbreaks of JD have been reported in exotic hoofstock in U.S. zoos (Boever and Peters, 1974; Dukes et al., 1992; Weber et al., 1992) and game farms (de Lisle et al., 1993; Fawcett et al., 1995; Manning et al., 1998; Power et al., 1993). However, the prevalence of JD in zoos could be higher than is suggested by the paucity of reports. A recent survey of zoos accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association revealed that 31 percent of responding institutions had experienced at least one case of JD, but up to 67 percent lacked effective surveillance for JD (Manning and Ziccardi, 2000). This suggests that true institutional prevalence is much higher. No prevalence studies have been conducted on game-ranched or farmed non-domesticated ruminants.