Johne's disease prevention, control risk assessment brochures free to producers

TSCRA Daily News Update, July 3, 2008

Johne's disease prevention, control risk assessment brochures free to producers

Johne's disease is on the rise. Research shows that one out of 10 animals moving through livestock auction facilities has Johne's disease. Although most U.S. beef herds are not infected with Johne's disease, it is estimated that eight out of 100 U.S. herds may be infected.

Producers who have culled animals because of chronic diarrhea and weight loss are at greater risk of having Johne's.

But beef producers are not alone in their fight against Johne's disease. A recently released brochure outlines steps producers can take to help prevent and control the organism known to cause Johne's disease—and this brochure is free to beef producers and veterinarians.

"Johne's disease is a slow and progressive bacterial disease of the intestinal tract that affects ruminants and is caused by the bacterium Mycobaterium avium paratuberculosis," states Dr. Michael Carter, National Johne's Disease Control Program Coordinator, National Center for Animal Health Programs, USDA-APHIS-VS.

"It causes significant economic loss for producers whose animals have the disease, and the goal of every producer should be to prevent getting it on their farm if they don't have it or control the disease to reduce the economic impact in herds with the disease," says Carter.

Johne's experts agree that the incidence of Johne's in beef herds can be reduced significantly when producers know that Johne's disease is in their herds and want to take measures to control the disease-causing organism.

"The USDA stepped up to the plate and provided funds for this risk assessment brochure," states Michele Vise-Brown, chief executive officer of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture.

"The new piece is pocket-sized so producers can take it with them around the farm or ranch as they survey various areas and take note of their practices," Brown explained.

A checklist of various risk assessment factors makes this piece easy to use and easy to know where management changes might be needed. "This four-color piece is free to producers and can be in your hands within 10 days of your order."

Vise-Brown urges beef producers to take action and order the brochure, as it pays to prevent and control Johne's disease. She adds that Johne's quietly robs a producer's bottom line, as cows clinically infected with Johne's produce less milk resulting in lighter calves at weaning, and infected cows can be slower to breed back.

To learn more about Johne's disease or to obtain your copy of "Beef Producers—Take Proactive Steps to Prevent, Control Johne's Disease," go to www.johnesdisease.org or call the National Institute for Animal Agriculture at 270/782-9798.

The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) is dedicated to programs that work towards the eradication of diseases that pose risk to the health of animals, wildlife and humans; promote a safe and wholesome food supply for our nation and abroad; and promote best practices in environmental stewardship, animal health and well-being.

NIAA members include producers,veterinarians, animal scientists, researchers, state and federal officials, and agribusiness executives. More information is available at www.animalagriculture.org.