A survey of the management practices of Irish dairy farms leading to an increased risk of Johne's disease transmission

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate herd management practices generally employed on a sample selection of Irish Dairy farms leading to an increased risk of transmission of Johne’s disease (Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis). By using Risk Assessment Analysis it was hoped to indicate key practices leading to an increased risk of transmission and increased seroprevalence of MAP within a herd. The study identified these key management practices at play in four sections of the farm. Preweaned heifers, heifers, cows and calving area respectively. Following this, herd specific recommendations were implemented in order to strive to decrease the overall risk of transmission and results over two years were obtained.