Japan has temporarily stopped accepting live feeder and breeder cattle exports from Australia after a number of animals tested positive for bovine Johne's disease. The Department of Agriculture confirmed it was aware of the announcement by Japanese authorities and would investigate whether the cattle were prepared according to requirements. "It's a concern to us and our department is working closely with Japanese authorities, trying to resolve it as quickly as possible," said a spokeswoman for Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce. Johne's disease, relatively rare in Australia, is caused by bacteria and leads to diarrhoea, tissue wastage and eventual death. Traces of the disease were detected during post-quarantine inspections in Japan. The affected cattle were Holstein heifers from outside Melbourne.