Farm Animals

Cattle Johne's Disease Welfare Control

Johne's disease in cattle causes prolonged wasting and suffering, with control programs reducing both herd welfare burden and transmission.

Key Facts

MAP causes progressive Johne's disease with a long subclinical phase
Clinical animals suffer malnutrition, diarrhoea and ultimately death
Calves are infected primarily from infected dams and faecal contamination
Test and segregate programs identify infected animals for early management
Biosecurity preventing MAP introduction to clean herds is most effective

Welfare Considerations

Johne's disease causes prolonged suffering through progressive malnutrition. The long subclinical phase means animals may be suffering before clinical signs are obvious. Regular testing to identify and humanely manage infected animals before clinical disease develops is welfare-sound management.

What You Can Do

Participate in national Johne's control programs with your vet
Implement biosecurity measures preventing introduction through bought-in stock
Ensure clinically affected cattle receive appropriate welfare management