Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Welfare and Johne's Disease Control

Johne's disease causes a slow, painful decline in affected cattle. Control programmes reduce both animal suffering and the economic burden this disease places on farms.

Key Facts

Johne's disease causes progressive protein-losing enteropathy and wasting
Infected cattle typically deteriorate over months before death or culling
The disease is caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis
Calves are most susceptible to infection in the first weeks of life
Control involves testing, segregation of positive animals, and management of colostrum feeding

Welfare Considerations

Johne's disease causes prolonged, progressive suffering culminating in death. Control programmes that prevent new infections protect future cattle from this welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Support farms with active Johne's disease testing and control programmes
Choose dairy and beef products from farms with low Johne's prevalence records
Advocate for Johne's disease control to be included in cattle welfare standards
Learn about Johne's disease transmission and control approaches