Two
statistical balanced studies concerning the seroprevalence of
specific antibodies against MAP (Mycobaterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis) were performed
in the years 1995 to 1997 and 2002/2003 in Austria. These two
studies revealed a highly significant increase in Austrian cattle
and cattle farms showing specific antibodies against MAP
(Baumgartner et al., 2005).
In April 2006 the
Regulation of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Health and Women on
monitoring and abatement of clinical paratuberculosis in ruminants
(Paratuberculosis-Regulation) came in action. The regulation
affects cattle, sheep, goats and farmed deer. Animals showing
clinical signs of paratuberculosis have to be notified and
separated. Blood and faeces of suspicious animals are taken by the
district veterinarian and sent to the national reference laboratory
for paratuberculosis of the Austrian Agency for Health and Food
Safety.
If severe emaciation of
an individual is noticed during slaughtering organ samples
including liver - and intestinal lymph nodes as well as parts
of the small intestine have to be sent to the reference laboratory
for laboratory examinations. The same actions have to be taken if
signs of clinical paratuberculosis occur in culled or perished
animals.
Clinically ill animals which are MAP positive have to be
culled. Furthermore hygienic precautions listed in the
Paratuberculosis-Regulation have to be performed. Compensation for
culled animals is paid by the government. Whenever an animal is
showing clinical signs or emaciation is diagnosed as MAP positive
the farm the animal is originating from has to be controlled for
further clinical cases.
Although only ruminants showing clinical paratuberculosis
are affected by the regulation, it can be a good and powerful tool
in the control of MAP. The elimination of clinical sick animals,
shedding a high amount of MAP, from livestock can cause a
significant decrease of MAP in farms and environment.
References
Baumgartner, W., Damoser,
J., Khol, J.L., 2005. Comparison of two
studies concerning the prevalence of
bovine paratuberculosis (Johne´s Disease) in Austrian cattle in
the years 1995-97 and 2002/203 (Article in German with extended
English summary). Vet. Med. Austria/Wien. Tierärztl. Mschr.
92, 274-277.
Full-text of the Austrian Paratuberculosis-Regulation (in German)
can be found at:
http://www.vu-wien.ac.at/i114/pdf/paratuberkuloseverordnung.pdf
