A new approach in the compulsory fight against paratuberculosis - eradication of clinical cases

Due to the documented increase of MAP (Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis ) in Austria (Baumgartner et al., 2005) the Regulation of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Health and Women on monitoring and abatement of clinical paratuberculosis in ruminants (Paratuberculosis-Regulation) came in force in April 2006. Animals showing clinical signs of paratuberculosis have to be notified followed by culling of the effected animal if the disease is confirmed by laboratory testing. A survey of the current situation concerning paratuberculosis in ruminants in Austria, the most important parts of the new compulsory measures and their practical implementation are presented in this paper.