By: Liam Doyle
Johne's Disease Programme Manager
Johne’s disease is a slow-developing infection that can sit in a herd for years without obvious signs, while quietly affecting performance and profit. Once it gets established, it’s difficult and time-consuming to deal with, so prevention and early control are key. Here are some top reasons to control Johne’s disease in your herd.
Johne’s disease causes loss of condition, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, death. Long before that, it can reduce milk output and overall herd performance. Controlling it helps maintain healthier, more productive animals.
The disease spreads slowly and is hard to spot early on. By the time it’s noticed, it may already be in the herd. Keeping it out, and limiting spread if it does get in, is far easier than trying to eliminate it.
Johne’s can cost around €33 per cow per year, even without clear signs. Losses come from lower production, earlier culling and reduced value of animals. These costs increase as infection builds in the herd.
The Irish Johne’s Control Programme gives access to trained vets, clear plans and flexible testing options to suit your farm. The same management steps can also help reduce other issues like calf scour, pneumonia and lameness.
To view our “10 Good Reasons To Control Johne’s Disease” document click here
More information on the Pig HeathCheck Programmeis available on the Animal Health Ireland Website.
AHI gratefully acknowledges the financial and other contributions of our stakeholders.
