Relationship between periparturient management prevalence of MAP and preventable economic losses in UK dairy herds

摘要

Johne;s disease (JD) is an infectious, progressive, inflammatory gastrointestinal disease of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratubercuhsis (MAP). Herd health, welfare, production and profitability are compromised as a result of the progression of MAP infection to clinical disease. It has been estimated that between 27.6 and 42.5 per cent of UK dairy herds are MAP-infected and that the annual cost of disease to the UK economy is ￡13 million. Disease control via periparturient management has proven effective, economical and practical. This study aimed to estimate the likely reduction in within-herd clinical JD prevalence and preventable economic losses following the implementation of specific periparturient management practices in UK dairy farms.