Johne’s disease is spread through the faeces from adult infected cattle; the animals at risk of getting infected are the youngstock. Cattle are most susceptible to infection from the moment of birth up until about 2 years of age when they become relatively resistant to infection.
Managing Johne’s disease in a herd is possible through a combination of management strategies aimed at minimising transmission to the youngstock and using the testing and culling of infected adult animals.
Protecting your calves is the most important part of any control plan, have a look at the following Johnes plan and see where you could change your practices to better protect your calves from infection.
Herd test cows for Johne’s at least once a year and cull any positive animals
Calves should be taken off the cow within 12 hours of birth
Ensure that only colostrum and milk from Johne’s negative cows is fed to calves.
Management of the calf rearing area should ensure that no effluent from animals of susceptible species comes into contact with the calf.
Calves up to 12 months old should not be reared on pastures that have had adult stock, or their effluent, on them during the past 12 months.
Selwyn Rakaia Veterinary Services Ltd is a locally owned veterinary business servicing predominantly dairy farms in Canterbury. Our team of staff include veterinarians, rural animal technicians, vet nurses and administration staff.
