Rearing calves to minimise the risk of bovine Johne's disease (BJD)

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Primefact Number: 60    Edition: First edition    Released/reviewed: 01 Sep 2005

Cattle infected with bovine Johne’s disease (BJD) can shed huge numbers of the bacteria Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in their faeces, especially when they are showing signs of the disease. These bacteria can survive for up to 12 months in the paddock environment, especially where moisture is present.

This Primefact describes quarantine measures on the farm that will help prevent infection in calves, including a three step calf rearing program and Johne's Disease Calf Assurance Program (JDCAP).