Johne's Disease

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Johne's Disease is an infectious bacterial disease of livestock that affects cattle, sheep, and goats. No cure has been found for Johne's Disease. Johnes in action

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF JOHNE'S DISEASE?

Progressive, long-lasting diarrhea
Weight loss despite a good appetite
Signs are rarely evident until 2 or more years after the initial infection (in cattle maybe sooner).
Animals are most susceptible to the infection in the first year of life.

HOW IS JOHNE'S DISEASE SPREAD?

Most common source of the bacteria that causes Johne's Disease is feces or manure.
The organism can remain alive in the environment for over a year.
Feed tainted by manure containing the organism is the most common way animals become infected.
Another source is milk from infected dams.
Pond water and pastures contaminated with infected feces are other potential sources of infection.

DOES NORTH DAKOTA HAVE A JOHNE'S DISEASE TESTING PROGRAM?

Please contact your local veterinarian or the State Board of Animal Health for more information on the North Dakota Voluntary Bovine Johne's Disease Control Program.

For more information on Johne's Disease, see past newsletters by following the Publications link.