Nature of paratuberculosis infection and characteristics of available tests block a simple test and cull approach in a paratuberculosis control program. Special attention is necessary to prevent spread of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in and between herds especially to young stock. In this respect the daily farm management is of great importance. A survey of relevant management factors was carried out in 379 randomly selected herds out of all 28,918 herds with 20 heads of dairy cattle or more in The Netherlands. An Animal Health Service staff member visited the selected herds with a questionnaire during the 1998 summer season. In 62 per cent of cases birth takes place in a separate calving room. Special hygienic precautions (mainly washing and disinfection of the posterior part of the cow) are taken in 19.2 per cent of the calvings. Replacement calves are reared in 97.3 per cent of the herds. After birth 53.8 per cent of the farmers immediately separate the calves from their mothers. Special hygienic precautions in calf rearing (clean boots at the entrance of the calf house) are practised in 12.4 per cent of the herds. A calf is supplied with colostrum from several dams by 15.5 per cent of the farmers, while 76.3 per cent of the farmers supply fresh milk from different cows (for instance milk containing antibiotics) at least occasionally. 56.9 per cent of calves are housed during the first 6 months of life and 25.8 per cent during the first 12 months. Of the calves at pasture during the first 6 months, 12.4 per cent graze pastures previously grazed by dairy cows. Clinical paratuberculosis cases have been observed in 14.1 per cent of the herds during the past 3 years. It is concluded that presently farm management of many farmers is inadequate to prevent spread of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis to young stock. Especially the probability of getting infected shortly after parturition by contaminated faeces, colostrum or milk is alarming.