Knowledge and control of Johne's

Address production (and therefore income) losses that inevitably result from the disease.
Optimise cull cow price by timely removal from the herd
Potentially reduce the number of forced culls
Address the negative animal welfare implications associated with the disease.
Potentially increase the value of breeding stock for sale

Impact on a suckler herd

Annual cost of Johne's disease in a 100 cow suckler herd - spring calving with an average calf weaning weight of 270 kg.

Description	Calculation	Annual Cost
Two fewer weaned calves at forecast sale value of £540 (£2/kg). Production costs are assumed to be £54 / head.	2 calves x £486	£3972
5 lighter calves at weaning	5 calves x (36kg x £2)	£360
5 additional female replacements @ £1000 / head less 3 culls @ £600 / head	(5 x £1000) - (3 x £600)	£3200
Typical total annual cost for 100 cow suckler herd infected with Johne's disease		£4532

_{Source: Economic Impact of Health and welfare Issues in Beef Cattle and Sheep in England. EBLEX_Final Report_170413}

Impact on a dairy herd

A US study found that Johne's infected animals:

Gave on average 4,000 kg less milk in their lifetime
Were 5 times more likely to be lame
Were 2 times more likely to develop mastitis / SCC problems
Were 1.8 x more likely to develop digestive problems

_{Source: Villarano M.A. and Jordan E.R. (2005). Production effects of MAP in dairy cows. Proceedings of International Johne's conference.}

Johne's Disease

Johne's disease is a chronic wasting disease of cattle.

Testing for Johne's

Identify infected animals in the herd as soon as possible so that management decisions may be taken to prevent the spread of infection.

Managing Johne's

Build a picture of your farm and know your herd disease status.

Accreditation Programme & health schemes

Risk Level Accreditation programme enables herds to maintain or move towards clear herd tests.

Resources

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