Organised disease control started in the Netherlands in the 18th century with governmental attempts to eradicate cattle plague. At the beginning of the 20th century, the dairy industry and cattle breeding organisations initiated a programme to control infectious diseases by means of a complex system of rewards and penalties. This was also the reason for establishing the Animal Health Service in Friesland in 1919. The history of programmes to control paratuberculosis in sheep, goats, and cattle in various countries is described. The vaccination of young animals seems to be an effective measure in the prevention of clinical paratuberculosis, although changes in management and hygiene practices are also important. A control programme for infectious cattle diseases has a number of phases (a lifecycle) and different components. Two components are essential for success, namely: open and regular communication with farmers, veterinary practitioners, and other people involved and a good registration and identification system for cattle, herds, and veterinary practitioners. The Dutch paratuberculosis programme has 10 herd status levels: 5-10 for non-suspect herds and 1-4 for infected herds or herds of unknown status. The higher the status, the greater the chance that a herd is free of paratuberculosis. An outline is given of the Dutch paratuberculosis programme including its objectives, basic principles for eradication, communication plan, legal action, logistic considerations, and complementary research programme.