If Johne's is present within a herd, control requires a long-term commitment. The most effective method is a combination of identifying infected animals through systematic testing and management changes. This two-pronged attack centers on removing infected animals to decrease the amount of shedding in the herd and protecting the youngest, most susceptible animals. The voluntary Johne's programs in most states are designed to assist producers in controlling Johne's and have a wealth of expertise to help.
Johne's control programs will vary from herd to herd. Involve your veterinarian from the beginning in your control program. Herd size, geographic location, type of enterprise, number of infected animals, herd management, and herd size need to be taken into account. No one program will work for all operations, but there are some control measures that will be universal:
• Immediately cull cows that show clinical signs of the disease; these include losing weight and chronic diarrhea.
• Follow the Johne's control program outlined by your state or veterinarian.
• Maintain clean calving areas.
• Spread manure on non-pasture land.
• Limit access to low-lying wet areas.
• Do not contaminate feed for young stock with manure.
• Vaccination is allowed in some states. Check with your local veterinarian.
