Caused by a bacterium, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (commonly known as MAP), this chronic disease progressively damages the intestines of affected animals. In cattle, clinical signs of the disease include diarrhoea, gradual weight loss and eventual early death.
Although not notifiable in Great Britain, it is recommended that a vet is consulted if Johnes disease is suspected.
Professor Luis A.J. Mur leads a project also involving Prof. Stephen Gordon of University College Dublin to improve the detection of the early stages of Johnes disease.
Based on VetHub1 Category 2 containment facilities this work is funded by KESS2 programme.