What are the most important points for control?
– Prevent overcrowded calving areas – keep calving area stocking density low – Isolate any animal showing symptoms suspicious for Johnes disease such as diarrhoea and weight loss. Isolated animals must be kept well away from the rest of the herd until all tests have been performed and a diagnosis made. – Prevent weaned stock from contact with adult’s manure as much as is possible. Avoid manure contamination of drinking water. Water troughs should be checked and cleaned regularly. Animals, especially young stock, should not have access to pools of stagnant or slow-moving water that may be contaminated. Clean, dry, well-bedded calving pens and lying areas for the cows and keep feed and feed equipment free from faecal contamination. – Change calving season to calve outside where improvement in hygiene in an indoor calving system is too difficult – Source breeding replacements from herds that have achieved Johne’s disease monitored certification wherever possible – Don’t retain calves from
