Veterinary Vista's wordmark logo.
Log In
Johne’s Disease (Paratuberculosis)
GastrointestinalInfectious DiseaseBacteriaBovineOvineNew
Key Points
  • Johne’s disease (paratuberculosis) is a chronic gastrointestinal condition caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis
  • Primarily a disease of ruminants and is most often seen in cows
  • Has a long incubation period ~2-6 years
  • The main clinical signs are profuse diarrhoea and progressive weight loss
  • ELISA and PCR are the most commonly used tests for screening herds and definitive diagnosis respectively
    • Diagnosis is difficult in early stages as the disease is initially asymptomatic and antibodies develop later on in the disease process
  • There is no cure for Johne’s and infected animals are culled to prevent the spread of disease
  • Prevention is essential and it focuses on minimising environmental contamination, improving biosecurity and protecting naïve animals
Differential Diagnoses
  1. Bovine tuberculosis (TB)
  2. Salmonellosis
  3. Strongylosis
  4. Coccidiosis
Overview
Aetiology
Clinical Signs
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Resources
Overview

Content Locked

Subscribe to Access
Aetiology

Content Locked

Subscribe to Access
Clinical Signs

Content Locked

Subscribe to Access
Diagnosis

Content Locked

Subscribe to Access
Treatment

Content Locked

Subscribe to Access
Prevention

Content Locked

Subscribe to Access
Resources

Content Locked

Subscribe to Access

Educational content only. This factsheet is for general veterinary education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Not for use in an emergency — contact a veterinarian or emergency service. Full disclaimer →