As the disease progresses, animals lose weight and produce fewer pounds of lower-quality milk. Increased culling and higher mortality also contribute to the economic drain on the infected farm. Failure to recognize the progression of Johne s prevents early, aggressive culling of infected animals, which is needed to reduce the contamination and exposure within the herd. Culling of animals, before the disease progresses to advanced stages with a severe loss of body condition, will provide greater salvage value and less loss to the owner. These losses also interfere with the development and selection of genetic replacements.
Reports indicate a lot of breeding animals are sold out of infected herds.
Increased culling rates and the lack of readily available genetic selection results in increased replacement costs. Veterinary expenses will also be greater in infected herds. The additional diagnosis, testing and consultation fees will negatively impact a herd s potential to return a profit.