Johnes disease has been around in cattle for a long time, why has it now become an issue for us in the deer and elk farming industry?
Johne’s disease is not uncommon in domestic ruminants and we have accepted and learned to live with the economic consequences of the disease. Agri-Food and Agriculture Canada has not yet identified this disease as a large enough drain on agriculture to warrant the expense and effort required to eliminate it from Canadian animals. On the other hand, it is important to realize that at present western Canadian elk and deer herds are likely free of significant levels Johne’s disease. It is infinitely less expensive and easier to keep herds clean than to attempt eradication once the disease has become established.
