Paratuberculosis, syn. Johne's disease

The annual ewe mortality rate from Johne's disease in some flocks in south‐east Scotland is between 2 and 5%. Affected sheep void pelleted faeces until the terminal stages unless there is significant parasitic infection. Very high lungworm burdens are common and may cause coughing. Affected sheep have profound hypoalbuminaemia (serum concentration <15 g/L; normal range greater than 30 g/L) and a normal globulin concentration (protein‐losing enteropathy). Thickening of the ileum with prominent ridging is not always obvious but the mesenteric lymph nodes are visibly enlarged. Encouraging results have been reported following vaccination with significantly reduced disease prevalence.