In Finland, symptomatic paratuberculosis was recorded for the first time in 1992 since the early 1900s. During the years 1992-2000 paratuberculosis was detected in five beef herds. After that paratuberculosis was not found in beef cattle, and it has never been detected in dairy herds.

This serological survey will give information on the spread of paratuberculosis among beef cattle in Finland. The results will be used in risk analysis of paratuberculosis: to evaluate the risk of beef cattle for spreading paratuberculosis to dairy herds, to plan control measures to combat paratuberculosis, and to assess the need of a specific control program.

About 14 500 blood samples from about 1450 suckler herds were collected at slaughter in 2003 - 2005 to survey bovine viral diarrhoea virus. From these samples, those from over three-year old animals are selected to determine antibodies to paratuberculosis. With the help of the identification number, we can find the age, breed, sex and potential foreign origin of the animal in the national data system Elite. About one third of the samples are from cattle over three years old. The serum samples are examined with ELISA test (Parachek) and the results will be presented in the poster.

This study is supported by the Walter Ehrström Foundation.