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In many parts of the world, bovine tuberculosis eradication efforts are hampered by wildlife reservoirs of <i>Mycobacterium bovis</i>, which serve as a constant source of <i>M. bovis</i> for nearby cattle. The human tuberculosis vaccine, <i>M. bovis</i> BCG has been investigated for use in several wildlife species, including deer. In the US, white-tailed deer in Michigan have been the source of infection for over 82 cattle herds since <i>M. bovis</i> was discovered in free-ranging deer in 1995. The efficacy of BCG may be influenced by many factors, including prior exposure or infection with non-tuberculous mycobacteria, that is, species other than members of the <i>M. tuberculosis</i> complex. <i>M. avium</i> subspecies <i>paratuberculosis</i> (<i>Map</i>) infection is not uncommon in ruminants such as deer. Using natural exposure to <i>Map</i> and experimental infection with <i>M. bovis,</i> we demonstrate that <i>Map</i> infection increased BCG vaccine efficacy as measured by lesion severity scores.