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An incurable ruminant disease that can cause large production losses and is difficult and expensive to eradicate is becoming more prominent across the country. Ohio State University Extension specialists want Ohio sheep, goat and cattle producers to be more aware of it.

Bill Shulaw, an Ohio State Extension beef and sheep veterinarian, said Johne’s disease, which has been around for more than 100 years, is now considered a major disease problem, especially for the cattle industry. Johne’s disease is a chronic bacterial intestinal infection that strikes silently. It can affect a large portion of the herd and cause production losses, premature culling and loss of marketability of breeding stock. Johne’s disease is caused by a bacterium related to those that cause tuberculosis and leprosy.

Johne’s disease strikes beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep and goats and can cause large economic losses to the industry because of its ability to strike animals at a young age, yet remain hidden for many years. Once it’s identified in a home-raised animal, chances are the rest of the herd may also be infected. A study conducted in 1996 by the USDA’s National Animal Health Monitoring System estimated a $200 to 250 million loss to the dairy industry alone because of the disease.

OSU Extension, in an effort to inform producers about the disease and methods of prevention and treatment, will hold a series of seminars throughout March. See Ag Dates on Page 6 for a listing of the seminar dates. For more information on Johne’s disease, visit OFBF’s Web site and click on Featured Links.