Are BJD bacteria endemic in sheep, cattle and other domesticated species in Australia?
BJD is only endemic in the south-eastern dairy industry and in some herds of beef cattle, goats and deer in south-eastern Australia. It is rare or absent in most of the country, and this restricted distribution is a major factor that is driving the national control of BJD in Australia, and has driven programs by States and Territories for many years. Johne’s disease was first identified late in the 19th century and was first recorded in Australia in an imported bull that was in quarantine in 1911. The first detection in Australian cattle was in dairy cattle in Victoria in 1925. BJD is now endemic in the south-eastern dairy industry. All the evidence to date indicates that it is uncommon in the pure beef industry, in herds where there has been little contact with dairy cattle. But there have been some notable exceptions where beef breeding herds have been endemically infected and, in turn, infected clients’ herds. Johne’s has occurred in goat herds for some time. However much of the end
