Background

This website and the Johne's Disease Educational CD-ROM have been prepared by the National Johne's Working Group (NJWG), a subcommittee of the Committee on Johne's Disease of the United States Animal Health Association (USAHA), for distribution throughout the USA and to other interested users.

The two resources provide a peer reviewed series of slides, slide sets, workbooks, essential reference reading and links to available websites, for use by those desiring information on the control of Johne's Disease. Access to the "Subscriber Only" section of this website will provide new slide sets and other information that is developed between revisions of the CD-ROM.

The production of the CD and this website are designed to facilitate a more coordinated educational effort in all regions of the USA with high quality resources for the training of dairy farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, agricultural and veterinary students, etc.

The CD-ROM contains a wide range of topics on Johne's Disease including: A scientific overview of JD, Critical disease control and biosecurity strategies, Diagnostic tests and interpretation of results, Developing JD control herd plans (including suggested documentation), Current public health debates, and Liability issues.

The National Animal Health Monitoring Service (NAHMS) survey in 1996 found that Johne's Disease affected as many as one in three dairy herds in the US, with up to 40% of the larger herds being infected. Calculations showed that loss of productivity in real dollar terms in these heavily infected herds was $245 per cow.

Dr. Bob Whitlock, NJWG co-chair, indicates that "The other major finding in the survey was that producers knew little about this chronic widespread disease with 45% surveyed having only heard the name or knowing nothing about it. So we set about providing as much educational and training material for veterinarians, extension educators, producers and other animal health professionals as possible. The latest survey in 2002 has shown that our campaign has been largely successful. What we are trying to do now is gather the best available information and educational material on Johne's Disease onto one easy to use source for those involved with the disease in cattle, sheep, goats, deer, or exotic species."

Dr. Don Hansen of Oregon State University, Chairman of the Educational Committee of NJWG, points out, "The value of the CD and website is that the user has ready access to current information. They can carry a "ready to use" presentation to lectures or meetings for large or small audiences without having to spend long hours preparing a talk on Johne's Disease. The slides can be adapted for veterinarians, students, dairy producers, sheep farmers, etc. There is something suitable for any interested audience on this CD."

To register your CD or to order a subscription to the web-site and CD, please go to the Registration/Orders page.