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Johne's disease

Johne's disease is a chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. It is a wasting disease, where cattle show good appetite but long lasting diarrhoea and weight loss, which results in eventual death. The infectious agent is shed in faeces, but can also be passed on in colostrum. Young calves are most susceptible to infection; however the clinical signs only become apparent as the animal matures, normally after 3-6 years of age. Over time the disease can become increasingly established in a herd or breed.

A new factsheet available from OCW explains what farmers can do about it.

Download factsheet

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