Provided are compositions and methods for stimulating an immune response against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). The compositions include a recombinant polypeptide that contains from its N-terminus to C-terminus a C-terminal fragment of MAP protein Map3527, a Map1519 protein amino acid sequence, followed by an N-terminal portion of Map3527. The method comprises administering the composition to an animal in an amount effective to stimulate an immunological response against MAP bacteria. The method is of benefit to any animal susceptible to MAP infection, but is particularly beneficial for ruminants.
