Controlling Johne s Disease step by step By knowing how Johne s is spread, milk producers can set up a program to prevent and control this costly disease. As you begin to think about Johne s Disease in your dairy herd, keep in mind that this disease can be prevented and controlled by understanding how it is spread and how it affects cows. Half-hearted attempts at control will generally fail, so begin with a total commitment of energy and time. First and foremost, Johne s is a bacterial disease that is spread from infected cows to other cows and young calves in manure.
Additional spread can take place through colostrum or milk.
So you must start by thinking about spread through manure. Reduce exposure of newborn calves to manure that may contain the bacteria. Calve in a clean, dry maternity area. If you are wondering whether it is clean and dry enough, kneel down in the bedding. If your knee comes up wet and covered with manure, the maternity pen needs some work.