NAHMS Johne's Disease Demonstration Herd Project
About this Project:
In 2002, the National Johne's Disease Demonstration Project was proposed by an Ad Hoc Steering Committee of the U.S. Animal Health Association (USAHA) Committee on Johne's Disease with the objective "to develop and validate model strategies for control of Johne's Disease." In fiscal year 2003, $1.5 million was allocated to develop and support the project by continuing to fund it for at least 5 years.
The primary objective of the demonstration herd project is to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and feasibility of management-related disease-control measures on Johne's disease and infection on dairy and beef cattle operations. Secondary objectives are to provide information and materials for the education and training of private-practice veterinarians and cattle producers; to develop and evaluate management, testing, and monitoring strategies for use in controlling Johne's disease in cattle herds; and to create opportunities for related projects within States to address important research objectives.
The demonstration herd project committee has identified specific outcomes that investigators for each herd in the demonstration project are required to measure and submit for analysis. These include the incidence of clinical disease and prevalence of infection in each herd, the amount of culling done based on test results in the absence of clinical disease, and the evaluation and monitoring of disease-transmission risks and onfarm management practices.
Sixty dairy herds and 20 beef herds in 18 States are currently enrolled in the project. Data collection began in late 2003. CEAH is charged with analyzing these data and presenting results to the USAHA.
For additional information, contact NAHMS@aphis.usda.gov
Information for JDDH Investigators
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