JOHNE'S DISEASE
Johne's Disease (pronounced YO-knees), or paratuberculosis, is a chronic wasting disease that causes considerable production losses in adult cattle, sheep, goats, deer, llamas, elk, and bison, and other ruminants. The disease is caused by Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, a bacterium related to tuberculosis.
Johne's disease typically starts as an infection in calves, though visible signs do not generally appear until cattle are 2 to 5 years of age (and sometimes much older). The infection is difficult to detect in its early stages. This bacterium causes an inflamed intestinal tract that results in severe weight loss and diarrhea and lower milk production. Infected cattle frequently eat well, and look bright, however, they appear to be unthrifty. Body temperature may or may not be elevated. There is no cure for Johne's disease once an animal becomes infected.
Eradication of Johne's disease is extremely difficult because of its insidious nature, long incubation period, difficulty in early detection, and major management changes necessary to prevent and eradicate it. Consultation and action by a veterinarian experienced in the management of Johne's disease is necessary for the development of a herd-control and eradication program.
Johne's disease has been reported in almost all countries around the world.
To ask a question about a cattle disease, CLICK HERE and get an answer! Cattle Today Online is the cattleman's guide to the cattle business. Take your time and look around. You'll find the net's best cattle news, free livestock classified ads, free ranch listing, the latest USDA livestock market report, free ranch email, Baxter Black, thousands of links and a free newsletter just for ranchers.
These are a few of the topics being discussed on the Q&A Boards. Just click on the topic to read it. Why not join the discussion?
Cattle Today, Inc. makes no representations about the suitability or accuracy of any of the information contained in this site. All information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Any use of the content on this site is at the risk of the user. In no event shall Cattle Today, Inc. be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from loss arising out of or in connection with the use of any information available from this site. This information is not intended to be used as an alternative to consulting with a health care professional or other qualified professional. If you need advice on a cattle health problem please contact your local veterinarian.
Information contained in this article from one or more of the following:
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
South Carolina Extension Service
Nebraska Extension Service
Oklahoma State Cooperative Extension Service
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension
University of Minnesota Extension Service