Agri Diagnostic Johne’s Disease Testing Service
Agri Diagnostics offers Johne’s antibody testing for beef and dairy herds using blood and milk samples. Our laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited and has an expert team of analysts who test samples and produce results with the highest level of integrity. We take pride in our unrivalled customer service and our ability to produce results within a 24 hour timeframe.
Testing Methods and Samples Required
| Disease | Test Method | Animal Species | Samples tested | Accreditation status | |
|
Johne's |
The detection of antibodies against Map |
Bovine |
Serum, Milk |
ISO 17025 |
|
| Johne's (PCR confirmation) | Detection of Mycobacterium avium. subs. paratuberculosis | Bovine | Faeces | ISO 17025 | |
What is Johne’s Disease
Johne’s disease is a chronic, untreatable, progressive, infectious disease; it is caused by infection with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis or MAP for short.
It is a disease notifiable to the Department of Agriculture through the District Veterinary Office and regulated by the Johne’s Disease Order, 1955 (S.I. No. 86 of 1955).
An infected animal can shed MAP bacteria over a long period and infect others before developing any clinical signs of the disease. Calves and young animals are particularly susceptible to infection so it is vital to identify infectious animals and remove them from the herd as part of a control strategy. Johne’s disease has detrimental economic impacts as a herd infected with Johne's disease has reduced production, lower milk yields, poorer feed conversion and it is more difficult to get cows back in calf.
How can Johne’s Disease be controlled?
Infected animals that test positive for MAP in blood or milk are more likely to be shedding the bacteria in their faeces, and these animals should therefore be prioritised for culling. A high level of hygiene within the calf environment is crucial - calf areas must be kept clean and free of adult cattle dung. Importantly, the bacteria can be transmitted in colostrum and milk; both through the direct excretion of the bacteria into the milk of infected cows and the contamination of milk with faeces. The use of colostrum or milk from infected cows, or ELISA test positive cows which are yet to have infection confirmed with a faecal culture or PCR test should be avoided.