The DNA‐DNA homology percentages obtained in this study indicate thatM. aviumandM. paratuberculosisbelong to one species. Consequently,M. paratuberculosisought to be considered a variant ofM. avium, and the following designations are proposed:Mycobacterium avium, subsp.avium. Mycobacterium avium, subsp.paratuberculosis.Identification and classification of “wood pigeon mycobacteria” occurring in wild animals have been problematic due to their dysgonic and mycobactin‐dependent growth. DNA‐DNA homology percentages indicate that these bacteria are closely related to reference strains both ofM. aviumand ofM. paratuberculosis.“Wood pigeon mycobacteria” should therefore be classified as atypical strains ofM. avium, and the following designation is proposed:Mycobacterium aviums