Estimation of direct and indirect losses due to Johnes disease in New South Wales, Australia
Scott-Orr, H.; Everett, R.E.; Ottoway, S.J.; North, R.N.
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. Supplementum 84: 411-414
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0065-1699 PMID: 3232648 Document Number: 324275
Paratuberculosis was diagnosed in New South Wales in 55 cattle herds, with only one case per herd in 33 herds, between 1983 and 1987, in 16 sheep flocks between 1980 and 1988, and in 219 goats on 45 farms between 1977 and 1988. Direct economic losses due to the disease range from $A1000 per herd per year for loss in milk production in subclinical infections to $A4000 in clinical cases in dairy cattle, and $A800 for loss of a beef animal. In sheep flocks losses ranged from 0.4 to 4% of adult sheep. Indirect losses due to restriction of breeding, including losses of semen sales and reduced sales of animals for export, were very high. It is suggested that, considering the lack of persistence of the disease in areas with warm dry climates and extensive grazing conditions, more rational regulatory requirements for paratuberculosis are required.