Question of the Day

Fecal-oral is the primary means of transmission of the causative agent of paratuberculosis (Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, also called Johne’s disease).

The organism is excreted in large numbers in feces of infected animals and in lower numbers in colostrum and milk. M. avium subsp paratuberculosis is TOUGH – it can survive more than a YEAR on pasture and even longer in water.

Transplacental transmission does occur in some cases, but it is not the primary means.

Since there is no treatment for paratuberculosis, prevention and control are most important to minimize its impact on herds.

Click here for a good summary on paratuberculosis, from the excellent Center for Food Security and Public Health (CFSPH) website, courtesy of Iowa State university.