VS 4-32 Johne's Disease Risk Assessment and Management Plan for

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Johne’s Disease
Risk Assessment &
Management Plan for
Dairy Herds.

Acknowledgements:
This form is an adaptation from previous editions of the Johne’s Disease Planning for Prevention and Control
of Dairy Herds - Manual for Veterinarians” that was used to complete risk assessments and develop
management plans to prevent or control Johne’s disease in cattle herds for the Voluntary Bovine Johne’s
Control Program. The original document were designed, edited and reviewed by members of the USAHA Risk
Assessment, Herd Management and Education Standards Task Force for the Voluntary Bovine Johne’s
Control Program.

VS 4-32 

Johne’s disease risk assessments and management plans for dairy herds
Current Herd Health Status and Concerns (Filling out this page is optional)
Collecting this information will provide information that is important to consider when implementing the
elements of the Johne’s disease prevention or control plan. This format is designed to show the farm’s
performance-limiting health issues and the level of concern that the owner has for them. Many of the
health and production problems brought to light by information on this page may be already addressed by
the owner. The final Johne’s management plan should blend in with these current performance-limiting
health issues and concerns.
Fill in requested information, circle choice or specify the incidence (or level of concern for problem) by checking your
choice (U, 1, 2 or 3) in the box next to listed disease.
U= unknown incidence or problem
2= Moderate incidence, may be need attention
1= OK, low incidence, not a current problem
3= Significant incidence, unsatisfactory, needs attention

Calf Feeding Practices
st

Avg. hrs. to 1 colostrum
st

Amount 1 colostrum fed
Colostrum source (Individual / Pooled)
Total no. colostrum feedings
Feed unpasteurized milk, pasteurized milk, milk
replacer (circle choices)
Calf Disease Incidence or Level of Concern
Pre-wean mortality (Last 12 mos.)
Calf vigor (satisfactory / unsatisfactory)
Calf growth (satisfactory / unsatisfactory)
Protocol for keeping feed and feeding equipment
sanitary
Scours
U
1
2
3
Pneumonia
U
1
2
3
Other
U
1
2
3
Heifer Disease Incidence or Level of Concern
Heifer growth (poor / good)
Age at freshening (months)
Breeding program (satisfactory / unsatisfactory)
Pneumonia
U
1
2
3
Digital dermatitis
U
1
2
3
Coccidiosis
U
1
2
3
Reproduction Program
Heat detection rate
Conception rate
Pregnancy rate
Herd average DIM
Abortions / yr (% herd)
Embryonic loss
Method of insemination
Milk Quality and Udder Health
Bulk tank SCC
Bacteria count / SPC
Number mastitis cases per month
Recent culture and sensitivity results

1

Lameness incidence or level of concern
% of cows with obvious lameness
Foot trimming schedule
Digital dermatitis
U 1 2
Laminitis
U 1 2
Abscesses
U 1 2
Foot Rot
U 1 2
Other
U 1 2

3
3
3
3
3

Infectious Dis. Incidence
Johne’s
Salmonellosis
Neosporosis
BVD
Respiratory disease
BLV
Clostridial disease
Leptospirosis
Other

U
U
U
U
U
U
U
U
U

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3

Culling Incidence
Cull Rate % last 6 months
< 60 DIM
Deaths
Mastitis
Reproduction
Lameness
Low production
Other

U
U
U
U
U
U
U

1
1
1
1
1
1
1

2
2
2
2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3
3
3
3

Metabolic Dis. Incidence (fresh cows)
Milk fever
U 1
Retained placentas
U 1
Ketosis
U 1
Mastitis
U 1
Metritis
U 1
DAs
U 1
Acidosis
U 1
Stillborn / dystocia cases
U 1
Other
U 1

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3

Herd information, owner goals and biosecurity issues
Farm owner (or herd code) ____________________________________________ Date ___________
Herd Veterinarian________________________________________________ Phone______________
General Herd Information
Key farm management (decision-makers, key employees)
Dairy Herd inventory:
Breed _________
Lactating cows/heifers ______ Dry cows ______
Bred heifers ______
Growing heifers ______ Bulls
______
In addition to dairy cattle, what other animals do you raise?

Total cows ______
Total head __________

Owner Goals and Some Biosecurity Questions
Do you plan to be dairy farming in 5 years?
Describe short and long-term owner goals or priorities for the farm. Some examples to consider are herd size, animal health and
performance, facilities, business/employee management, family goals, environmental issues, markets, milk quality, beef quality or other.

Short-term (this year)

Long-term (3-5 years)

Current milk/cow/day or year (lbs.)
Current % BF
Current % Protein

Milk/cow/day or year goal (lbs.)
% BF goal
% Protein goal

What are your top five overall concerns for your operation?

What herd health improvements you are making or plan to make?

What management concerns and/or facilities issues you are addressing or plan to address?

List how you obtain replacements

List planned changes for obtaining replacements

(e.g., home raised, dealer, market, single dairy,
etc.)

If replacements are born at farm and raised elsewhere, describe how their biosecurity is maintained.

List how you obtain herd additions
(e.g., home raised, dealer, market, single dairy,
etc.)

How are cows identified?
Outline vaccination routine for cows

What health prerequisites do you require for herd
additions?

How are their calves identified as theirs?

Outline vaccination routine for bred heifers
Outline vaccination routine for young stock

2

Herd Risk Assessment, history and prevalence of Johne’s Disease
How long has the herd been here?________________________________________________
How was it assembled? ________________________________________________________
What percent of the current herd was born on the premises? ________% purchased? _______
What percent of the herd was born here, but raised elsewhere? _________________________
Were those animals commingled with animals from other farms? Yes
No
When was the 1st clinical case of JD diagnosed or suspected (year)? ____________________
st

What was age and source (home raised or purchased) of 1 case? ______________________
What was the youngest case (age, date, source)? ___________________________________
List clinical cases beginning with the most recent (use another sheet if needed)
ID
Date Approx. age Farm raised or from outside
Offspring ID still in herd

Record information from the last 12 months
Information Category
Clinical Johne’s cases (e.g., chronic diarrhea or wt. loss)
Cattle culled last 12 mo. (any reason)
Johne’s cases as % of cows culled
Number animals with positive fecal culture
Number animals with positive ELISA results

st

nd

1 lact 2

lact

3+ lact Total

% of herd

Introduction of new cattle
Group

No. last 12
mo.

JD status of seller herd
(Test-negative, unknown, etc.)

No. 2 - 5 yrs
ago

JD status of seller herd
(Test-negative, unknown, etc.)

Cows
Heifers
Others
Total

Estimate the prevalence of Johne’s disease in the herd
[

Low

Moderate

High

]

Place an X on line above where you estimate herd prevalence might be.

Consider number, age and timeframe of clinical cases for estimating prevalence of Johne’s in
the herd.
You may also use information from boxes below to help estimate herd prevalence.
Low
Moderate
High
No or rare clinical cases Clinical
only in purchased animals ~< 5%
test prevalence mostly in older
animals Excellent management
and sanitation2= Moderate
incidence, may be a concern

Few clinical cases in home-reared
animals Recent history of 2-5%
clinicals/year ~6-19% test prevalence
mixed group Management allowed for
some contact of weaned young stock
with manure or older animals

3

Frequent in home-reared animals
Increasing clinical cases
Decreasing age of clinicals ~> 20%
test prevalence mixed group
Severe risks exist for contact of
young stock with manure of mature
animals

Risk Assessment Scores (based on visual observation of each environment and owner responses)

10. V.
High

Notes / Current vs. Past
9.

8. High

7.

6.

5 Mod

4.

3.

1 V.

(Place an X in the box to the right of the management practice that most
closely signifies the risk for that item.)

0.

A. Calving Area Risk Factors

2. Low

Estimate the risk for fecal/oral and colostrum/milk disease spread, or gap in farm’s biosecurity, for each management practice. Follow
the logical order. Observe Proper Biosecurity! Note how current management conditions differ from past. Ideally producer &
veterinarian score risks independently. Then compare & discuss relative importance in development of management plan. See Step
4 in the instructions for guidelines to completing area risk assessments.

1. Multiple animal use [Single pen → Dense crowded group]
2. Manure build-up risk for calf ingestion [Clean dry → Dirty wet]
3. Area also used for sick cows [Never → Always]
4. Presence of JD clinicals / suspects [Never → Always]
5. Manure soiled udders / legs [Never → Always]
6. Calves born in other cow areas [Never → Always]
7. Time calves stay with dam [<30 minutes → >24 hours]
8. Calves nurse dam [Never → Most or all]

10. V. High

9.

8. High

7.

6.

5. Mod.

4.

3.

2. Low

0.

B. Pre-Weaned Heifer Risk Factors

1. V. low

Maximum score = 80. Your herd score is ______. Consider the impact of JD prevalence on ability to reduce risks.
Estimate the risk for spreading Johne’s in the calving area: Very Low Low Moderate High Very High (Circle choice)
Notes / Current vs. Past

1. Fed pooled colostrum [Never or JD negative → High risk cows]
2. Fed colostrum from individual cow to several calves [As 1. above]
3. Fed unpasteurized pooled milk [JD negative cows → High risk cows]
4. Possible manure contamination of colostrum or milk:at harvest,
utensils, traffic or people [None any source → Frequent many sources]
5. Possible manure contamination of calf feed or water: by cows,
traffic splatter, equipment or people [As 4. above]
6. Direct cow contact or potential manure contamination of calf
pen by cows, traffic splatter, equipment or people [As 4. above]
Maximum Score is 60. Your herd score is ________. Consider the impact of JD prevalence on ability to reduce risks.
Estimate the risk for spreading Johne’s in pre-weaned calves:
Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High (Circle choice)

4

7. V High

6.

5.

4. Mod.

3.

2.

0.

C. Post-Weaned Heifer Risk Factors

1. V Low

Notes / Current vs. Past

1. Direct cow contact or pen contamination with cows’ manure
[None → Always]

2. Possible manure contamination of feed: refused cow ration, stored
feed, equipment, cows, traffic splatter, people or runoff [Never → Frequently]
3. Potential for contamination of supplied or natural water: shared with
cows, traffic splatter, runoff or people [Never → Frequently]
4. Share pasture with cows [Never → Frequently]
5. Manure spread on forage and fed same season [Never → Frequently]
Maximum Score is 35. Your herd score is _______. Consider the impact of JD prevalence on ability to reduce risks.
Estimate the risk for spreading Johne’s in post weaned heifers: Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High (Circle choice)

5. V High

4.

3. Mod

2.

0.

D. Bred Heifer Risk Factors

1. V Low

Notes / Current vs. Past

1. Direct cow contact or pen contamination with cows' manure. [None → Always]
2. Possible manure contamination of feed: refused cow ration, stored feed,
equipment, cows, traffic splatter, people or runoff. [Never → Frequently]
3. Possible manure contamination of water sources: shared with cows, by
cows, traffic splatter, runoff or people. [Never → Frequently]
4. Share pasture with cows [Never → Frequently]
5. Manure spread on forage and fed same season. [Never → Frequently]
Maximum Score is 25. Your herd score is_______. Consider the impact of JD prevalence on ability to reduce risks.
Estimate the risk for spreading Johne’s in bred heifers:
Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High (Circle choice)

5

4. High

3

2.

1. Low

0.

E. Cow and Bull Risk Factors
1. Possible manure contamination of feed: when fed or stored, by equipment,
traffic splatter, runoff or people [Never → Frequently]
2. Possible manure contamination of water: by cows, traffic splatter, runoff or
people [Never → Frequently]
3. Direct access to accumulated or stored manure [Never → Frequently]
4. Manure spread on forage and fed the same season [Never → Frequently]

Maximum Score is 16. Your herd score is _____. Consider the impact of JD prevalence on ability to reduce risks.
Estimate the risk for spreading Johne’s among cows:
Low
Moderate
High (Circle choice)
Number of Animals

Comments

F. Sources of Additions and Replacements

1-5

6-12

13-20

21-50

>50

1. Get additions or replacements from Level 2-4 Status Herd
2. From low risk herds, Level 1 or pre-tested herds
3. From single source non-tested or non-program herds
4. From multiple sources non-tested or non-program herds or markets

0
10
20
30

2
11
22
34

4
12
23
36

6
13
26
38

8
14
28
40

(Circle the square in each row that reflects management in the past 12 months. Include E.T. recipients and bulls))
Maximum Score allowed is 60 (If score is >60 place 60 in space). Your herd score is_______. Consider the impact of JD
prevalence on ability to reduce risks.
Estimate the risk of bringing in Johne’s from herd additions/replacements: Very Low
Risk Assessment Summary

Risk Factor Areas

Maximu
m Score

Calving area

80

Pre-weaned heifers

60

Post-Weaned heifers

35

Bred heifers

25

Cows and bulls

16

Additions/Replacements

60

Total

276

Completing this Table is optional.
However, calculating the herd scores for
each area as a percent of the area’s
maximum score and as a percent of the
herd’s total score will highlight the top risk
areas to address in the farm plan.

6

Your Herd
Score

Low

Moderate

High

Each Area Herd Score /
Each Area Max Score (%)

Very High (Circle choice)

Each Area Herd Score / Your
Total Herd Score (%)

List the risk factors of most importance identified by assessment

Building the elements of the testing strategy for Johne’s management plan. See
Step 5 in the instructions for guidelines.
1. What is the testing scheme expected to accomplish and how will it help reach plan
objectives?
2. What test (s) will be used?
3. Who will be tested?
4. When?
5. What decision (s) will be made on results? Consider higher vs. lower risk ‘test-positive’
cattle.

Assembling the Johne’s Disease Management Plan
See Step 6, in the instructions for guidelines.
Issues to integrate include:
1. 1. The owner’s Johne’s management plan objectives (e.g., find out if JD is present,
eliminate the infection from herd, prevent introduction into herd, establish official testnegative or low risk status).
2. List planned management changes for each area or management group brought to light
by the risk assessment. If there are no changes planned for a specific area or group,
simply list current herd management procedures.
3. Be certain to coordinate Johne’s management procedures in this plan with other health /
management objectives already in place. It may serve as an incentive for owners with
low risk herds thinking of seeking official status. Especially note where these other
objectives and health concerns will benefit from the Johne’s management efforts that are
outlined in the plan, (e.g., lower calf mortality or morbidity, healthier fresh cows, etc.).
See Step 7, in the instructions for guidelines.
4. Before signing off on this management plan, be certain the overall strategy is
comprehensive and effective enough to meet management goals. The plan should take
current JD prevalence estimate into account for setting realistic goals. Proposed actions
should be practical and feasible to implement and they may be applied in phases.
Procedures should integrate with available resources and other farm management
priorities. See Step 8, in the instructions.

7

Johne’s Management Plan

□ Determine status of herd □ Prevent JD introduction into herd □ Prevent further spread
□ Reduce the infection in herd □ Other __________________________________________________________________

What are the objectives of the herd plan?

□ Establish test negative status

Management practice to reduce identified
risks for Johne’s disease in this herd

How does practice benefit and/or integrate with
existing health / management objectives

Priority
Lo, M, or Hi

Person(s) in
charge

Testing strategy

____________________________________________________________________
Name of Johne’s certified veterinarian or animal health official that completed risk assessment and herd plan

Signature ___________________________________________________________________ Phone Number________________
8

Instructions for Johne’s disease risk assessments and
management plans for dairy herds
The purpose of this document is to assist and guide veterinarians and their cattle producer
clients with the development and implementation of a standard Johne’s Management Plan. A
comprehensive herd plan that is directed specifically at reducing or eliminating identified risks
for the introduction and/or spread of Johne’s disease and other fecal-oral transmitted diseases.
In addition, implementation of management practices directed against Johne’s disease will
enhance the overall biosecurity of the herd. They can reduce the risk for other fecal-oral
transmitted pathogens that have significant impact on cattle health and performance.
The action steps in this document present a standard and systematic method for completing a
risk assessment and developing a management plan. The process will lead to a number of
management choices that can be employed to reduce identified risks.
The actual content of a final plan is a decision for the owner and veterinarian responsible for the
health and production of the herd. However, it should support the owner’s goals for the farm,
address the impact of Johne’s and other disease risks, as determined by the assessment, and
contain an outline for a testing scheme.
To be successful, the plan should take all health and management priorities or concerns into
account and Johne’s control practices should blend with ongoing biosecurity efforts. The
efficacy of the plan will depend on the returns the owner expects from their effort and what is
realistically achievable with current management and resources. All of these factors must be
considered to craft an effective and feasible plan.

Action steps for developing the plan
The following action steps are recommended for assessing an operation and developing a
standard comprehensive management plan.

Action 1. Collect information on current herd health status and production.
See page 1 in guidelines booklet for essential information and data collection.
This information is optional for the Management and Herd Classification Elements of the
VBJDCP
Collecting and considering the information about a herd’s current health status and owner’s
concerns is optional but it is highly recommended for the following reasons.
1. It will enhance the veterinarian’s understanding of the operation.
2. It provides the veterinarian an opportunity to remark on the potential impact of subclinical
and clinical JD infections on the incidence of other herd diseases (e.g., Metritis, foot rot,
etc).
3. It offers the veterinarian an opportunity to tie certain management practices, included in
the plan, to the concerns discovered in this step when completing form 8.
4. The information is important to consider before writing the herd plan as some of the
herd’s performance limiting health issues may be principal to the sustainability of the
business.

9

Action 2 Collect herd information, owner goals and biosecurity data.
See page 2 in guidelines booklet for essential questions and data collection.
This information is needed for the Management and Herd Classification Elements of the
VBJDCP
This action step is to collect basic information about the herd, available human resources and
some biosecurity practices. It also encourages the producer to articulate major goals for their
operation, such as changes in; herd size or facilities, management, environmental issues,
product quality, etc. Goals dictate what is important to the owner and influence future
commitment to any management plan. Biosecurity questions may reveal practices that can be
addressed in the final plan to maintain or enhance herd protection from disease.

Action 3. Begin the risk assessment.
See page 3 in the guidelines booklet for essential questions and data collection.
This information is needed for the Management and Herd Classification Elements of the
VBJDCP
The risk assessment begins by collecting information about the herd’s experience with and
potential exposure to Johne’s disease. This data could provide useful benchmarks from which to
consider the potential impact of Johne’s disease on business profitability and to evaluate
potential changes and progress over time. The quality of the information available can range
from accurate written records to vague memory recall. An assessor will need to take data
quality into account when applying it to the operation and plan. The initial visit can focus on the
big picture, i.e., there have been recent JD cases, and fill in specific details like animal ID, exact
date and age as needed at a later time.
Estimating a current prevalence of Johne’s disease is part of the assessment and is basic to
herd test result interpretation. The estimate can be made based on the data collected on page
3. A crude estimate can be obtained by using historical data coupled with the criteria outlined in
the boxes below the prevalence line on page 3. This will lead to categorizing the herd infection
as Low, Moderate or High. If available, whole-herd testing would provide a more accurate
estimate.

Action 4. Assessing risks for transmitting Johne’s among specific animal groups.
See pages 4 - 6 for essential risk factors and risk score values. This information is needed
for the Management and Herd Classification Elements of the VBJDCP
This is a basic requirement for the management herd testing elements of the Program. The
object is to conduct an assessment of the management practices or conditions that promote the
risk for spread of Johne’s and other fecal-oral transmitted pathogens. Pages 4 through 6 list
potential risk factors in major management areas starting with the maternity area and
progressing to herd additions. The listed management practices or risk factors are believed to
promote fecal-oral transmission of pathogens in particular, but other infections may be
transmitted by the same management conditions. Assessors should consider all factors in each
management area. Scoring risks is a subjective process that is based on the observer’s
experience and knowledge of disease transmission and Johne’s epidemiology.

10

The intended procedure is for both veterinarian and producer to score the risk for each factor
listed in each management area independently. Then discuss results and reach agreement on
values. Mutual agreement on the importance of potential risk factors will help establish priorities
for the management plan. Identifying each management area’s risks and the overall area’s
estimated risk for transmitting Johne’s is an important step in designing a herd plan that is
effective and realistic to implement.
Please note that the maximum scores for the specific animal-environments have been weighted
from the youngest age group to oldest. This weighted score is artificial but intentional. Since the
young are more susceptible to infection the authors wanted the raw score in those areas to be
markedly higher than raw scores for older animals. Suggested guidelines for scoring are
provided in the tables below.
To better understand the degree of Johne’s infection in the current mature herd, it is also
important to recognize where current management conditions have changed from the past. For
example, if maternity management has changed in the last two years, mature cows that recently
developed clinical disease or tested positive were likely raised under different management
circumstances, with potentially different exposures.

Descriptive guidelines for scoring risk factors dairy cows
Calving Area Since calves are the most susceptible to infection, the score values are higher
for risk factors in this area. Risk factors for the maternity or calving area should be assessed for
the potential of a new born to ingest manure or MAP from mature cattle. Considerations include
ground and pen surfaces, contaminated udders and teats, suckling colostrum from an infected
cow or manure contamination on calf’s body surfaces.
Risk Factors

Scoring guidelines

Is the area used for more
than one calving cow at a
time?
Does manure build-up in the
calving area posing a risk for
calf ingestion?

Lowest risk = single pen use (0-1). Moderate risk = general maternity area with
moderate cow density (4-6). High risk = very crowded maternity area used by all cows
(8-10).
Lowest risk = area always clean and dry (0-1). Moderate risk = area has little manure
visible to area more manure-free than manure contaminated (4-6).
High risk = area is more manure contaminated than manure-free to extensive manure
contamination (8-10)

Are calves born in other
areas that hold cows, i.e.,
outside of calving area?
Are sick cows kept in the
calving area?
Are high risk/JD clinical and
suspects in calving area?

Lowest risk = almost never occurs (0-1). Moderate risk = occurs 15% to 25% of all
calvings (4-6). High risk = occurs more than 40% of the time (8-10)

Do calves stay with their
dams for >60 minutes?

Lowest risk = almost never (0-1). Moderate risk = most calves stay 1-4 hrs (4-6).
Highest risk = most calves stay more than 6 hrs (8-10).

Are calves allowed to nurse
their dams?
Are calving cow's udders
soiled with manure?

Lowest risk = almost never (0-1). Moderate risk = most calves stay 1-4 hrs (4-6).
Highest risk = most calves stay more than 6 hrs (8-10).
Lowest risk = 90% of udders are clipped, clean and dry (0-1). Moderate risk =
moderate amount of manure on udders of 20% - 40% of cows (4-6).
Highest risk = udders are manure covered on a majority of cows (8-10).

Lowest risk = almost never (0-1). Moderate risk = hospital pen adjacent to maternity
area (4-6). Highest risk = sick cows are in maternity area (8-10).
Lowest risk = almost never (0-1). Moderate risk = low risk suspects in maternity area
(4-6). Highest risk = high risk / JD clinicals are in maternity area (8-10).

11

Pre-weaned calf group Since calves are the most susceptible to infection, the score values
remain high for risk factors in this group. Risk factors for this group should be assessed for the
potential of a calf to ingest manure or MAP from mature cattle. Considerations include ground
and pen surfaces and potential contaminated colostrum, milk, water or feed. Consider all
sources for potential manure contamination including, colostrum or milk from infected cows,
accidental contamination of any colostrum, milk, feed or pen surfaces from mature cattle,
utensils, equipment, traffic splatter or people.
Risk Factor

Scoring guidelines

Is colostrum pooled from
multiple cows and fed to
calves?

Lowest risk = never done or only from cows with several negative JD tests (0-1).
Moderate risk = from cows with single negative JD test or from low risk group (4-6).
Highest risk would be from cows with unknown JD status in an infected herd (8-10).

Is colostrum fed from
individual cows to calves?

Lowest risk = from dams to their own calves (0-1). Moderate risk = colostrum from
single cow with negative JD test fed to several calves (4-6).
Highest risk = from cows with unknown JD status fed to several calves (8-10).

Is unpasteurized milk pooled
and fed to calves?

Lowest risk = from low risk cows (several neg. tests) (0-1). Moderate risk = from cows
with one negative JD test (4-6). Highest risk = from cows with unknown JD status in
an infected herd (8-10).

Can calf’s colostrum and/or
milk be contaminated with
cow manure any time?

Lowest risk would be never to rarely (0-1). Moderate risk = occasionally from a few
sources (4-6). Highest risk = frequently from many sources (8-10).

Can calf’s feed or water be
contaminated with cow
manure any time?

Lowest risk = never to rarely (0-1). Moderate risk = occasionally from a few sources
(4-6). Highest risk = frequently from many sources (8-10).

Are calves able to come in
contact with cows or cow
manure in their housing?

Lowest risk = never to rarely (0-1). Moderate risk = occasionally (4-6).
Highest risk = frequently or always (8-10).

Post weaned heifer group The age of this group may extend to 16 months. The score values
are less than younger calves but higher than bred heifers or cows. Risk factors for this group
should also be assessed for the potential of a calf to ingest manure or MAP from mature cattle.
Considerations include ground and pen surfaces, water or feed. Consider all sources for
potential contamination including, manure runoff from cow herd, being fed refused feed from
cows, sharing pasture or water with mature cattle, accidental contamination of any feed, water
or pen surfaces from mature cattle, equipment, traffic splatter or people.
Risk Factor

Scoring guidelines

Do heifers have contact with cows or
their manure?

Lowest risk = never to rarely (0-1). Moderate risk = occasionally from a
few sources (3-5). Highest risk = frequently from many sources (6-7).

Is it possible for manure from cows to
contaminate the feed?
Is it possible for manure from cows to
contaminate heifer water sources?

Lowest risk = never to rarely (0-1). Moderate risk = occasionally from a
few sources (3-5). Highest risk = frequently from many sources (6-7).
Lowest risk = never to rarely (0-1). Moderate risk = occasionally from a
few sources (3-5). Highest risk = frequently from many sources (6-7).

Do heifers share pasture with mature
cattle?

Lowest risk = never to rarely (0-1). Moderate risk = occasionally (3-5).
Highest risk = frequently or always (6-7).

Is manure spread on pasture then
used by or fed to heifers?

Lowest risk = never to rarely (0-1). Moderate risk = occasionally (3-5).
Highest risk = frequently or always (6-7).

12

Bred heifer group This group of cattle are usually over 12 months of age and are believed to
be substantially less susceptible to Johne’s than newborn calves. The score values are less
than younger calves but slightly higher than cows. Risk factors for this group should also be
assessed for the potential of a heifer to ingest manure or MAP from mature cattle.
Considerations include ground and pen surfaces, water or feed. Consider all sources for
potential contamination including, manure runoff from cow herd, being fed refused feed from
cows, sharing pasture or water with mature cattle, accidental contamination of any feed, water
or pen surfaces from mature cattle, equipment, traffic splatter or people.
Risk Factor

Scoring guidelines

Do heifers have contact with cows or
their manure?
Is it possible for manure from cows to
contaminate the feed?
Is it possible for manure from cows to
contaminate the water used by
heifers?
Do heifers share pasture with mature
cattle?

Lowest risk = never to rarely (0-1). Moderate risk = occasionally from a
few sources (3). Highest risk = frequently from many sources (5).
Lowest risk = never to rarely (0-1). Moderate risk = occasionally from a
few sources (3). Highest risk = frequently from many sources (5).
Lowest risk = never to rarely (0-1). Moderate risk = occasionally from a
few sources (3). Highest risk = frequently from many sources (5).

Is manure spread on pasture then
used by or fed to heifers?

Lowest risk = never to rarely (0-1). Moderate risk = occasionally (3).
Highest risk = frequently or always (5).

Lowest risk = never to rarely (0-1). Moderate risk = be occasionally 3).
Highest risk = frequently or always (5).

Cow group Even though cattle over 24 months of age are believed to be less susceptible to
JD, infected cattle may shed MAP and other pathogens in their feces and add significantly to the
overall pathogen load in their environment. One of the primary objectives of a management
plan is to reduce the pathogen load in the environment. Risk factors for this group should be
assessed for the potential of a cow to ingest significant amounts of MAP from the environment
over time. Considerations include water or feed. Consider all sources for potential
contamination including accidental contamination of any feed, water from other mature cattle,
equipment, traffic splatter or people.
Risk Factor

Scoring guidelines

Is it possible for feed to be
contaminated with manure?
Is manure contamination of the
water possible?
Do cows have access to
accumulated or stored manure?
Is manure spread on pasture
and grazed or harvested the
same season?

Lowest risk = never to rarely (0-1). Moderate risk = occasionally from a few
sources (2-3). Highest risk = frequently or always from many sources (4).
Lowest risk = never to rarely (0-1). Moderate risk = occasionally from a few
sources (2-3). Highest risk = frequently or always from many sources (4).
Lowest risk = never to rarely (0-1). Moderate risk = occasionally (2-3).
Highest risk = frequently or always (4).
Lowest risk would be never to rarely (0-1). Moderate risk would be
occasionally (2-3). Highest risk would be frequently or always (4).

Additions and replacement group Animals acquired from outside sources may pose a
significant risk for many diseases including Johne’s. Preventing entrance of pathogens into a
herd is a primary biosecurity objective of the management plan. The maximum score for this
risk is high because of its potential to introduce a new or maintain an existing pathogen load in
the herd. The assessment is based on the number of animals that enter the herd or farm
location. The assessment for this operation policy is found on page 6 of the guidelines booklet.
The final step is to list the most important factors identified by the assessment. By listing them
it will help prioritize which should be included in the management plan.

13

Action 5. Build the elements of a testing strategy
See page 7 in guidelines booklet for essential questions and data collection.
This information is needed for the Management and optional for the Herd Classification
Elements of the VBJDCP
Testing strategy Tests for Johne’s disease are tools and must work within a management plan
to be useful. Thus, producer and veterinarian should develop and begin implementing the
management strategy before doing much testing. Testing without a plan and an understanding
of how to use results can cause confusion and waste time and money. The key elements to
consider in choosing a strategy are listed below. Collecting the information on page 7 on the
guidelines booklet will help clarify how testing will be used to enhance management efforts and
accomplish goals of this specific farm plan. Decide how to handle the following issues before
testing.
1. What is the testing scheme expected to accomplish, how it will help achieve farm and
plan objectives?
a. Common objectives for initial testing schemes include; finding out if infection is
present or revealing the infection status in risk-groups of interest.
b. Common objectives for more advanced schemes include; timely identification of
infected animals to manage or cull, screen a herd to determine risk for
purchasing replacements, more thorough assessment of prevalence and/or herd
status.
c. Consider the ethical and liability implications in case a positive diagnosis is
made.
2. What cattle will be tested and when?
a. Testing should be timed for immediate management (control) decisions.
b. Useful initial testing strategies might include:
i.
Target groups – Cattle at higher risk of being exposed or infected, of
interest for management decisions, Johne’s suspects, acquired cattle or
exposed offspring.
ii.
30 (or more) older cattle at random to assess herd risk.
c. Useful testing strategies for control might include:
i.
Test different animals in subgroups at a regular interval so that all
productive cattle are tested over a time period (1 yr). For example, every
month test cows in a specific gestation time period, i.e. 120-150 days
pregnant. Results are ready for critical management decisions at dry off,
calving, breeding etc.
ii.
Whole herd or statistical sample - if urgency to know herd status.
3. What decisions will be made on test results?
a. Herd level decisions: Establish herd-status or assess prevalence.
b. Management or control decisions on individuals:
i.
Determine high risk and lower risk cattle, often based on multiple test
results.
ii.
Control decisions include: Segregate or cull ASAP, Do not use colostrum,
Do not breed, etc.

14

Action 6. Critical management practices to include in the management plan
See page 7 for essential information to be integrated and page 8 for the plan format.
This information is needed for the Management and Herd Classification Elements of the
VBJDCP
Include owner’s objectives Below suggests some owner objectives that could be included in
the plan. The objectives should reflect owner’s goals and the relative impact of Johne’s on the
herd. These objectives are the basis for determining the elements of the management plan and
whether a testing strategy (and what type) might be desired to meet them. Short and longerterm objectives, achievable with given management and resources and a realistic time frame,
should be considered. They can start simple and be modified with time. They should be
measurable, such as reducing the number of clinical cases to 1% within 3 years. The table,
“Elements of herd plans for different objectives”, at the end of this document has suggestions for
least, moderate and most aggressive objectives and plans.
Elements of the Plan Page 8 in the form may be used to outline the plan elements.
Management actions are prioritized based on the JD prevalence, risk assessment results,
objectives, other health and management priorities and available resources. Recommendations
for management practices that will reduce or eliminate the risk for Johne’s disease in most
areas of production are outlined on the next page. A review of these suggestions should help
the process of prioritizing and deciding the specific elements that will be in the herd plan.
A. Calving area
a. Management objectives: keep it clean and dry.
b. Suggested procedures to achieve objectives:
1. For inside calving areas:
• Use area for calving only.
• Use single-animal pens; assure adequate size area.
• Remove manure and bedding after each use.
2. For outside calving areas:
• Use adequate area and monitor use to minimize mud and manure
accumulation.
3. Clip and clean udders before calving and remove calf immediately after birth.
B. Pre-weaned calves
a. Management objectives: avoid feeding infective colostrum and milk, and prevent
contact with infectious material or environments.
b. Suggested procedures:
• Use colostrum from JD-test negative or low risk cows.
• Feed milk replacer rather than unpasteurized milk in JD herds.
• Prevent manure contamination of feed and water.
• Keep calves in separate facility or location from cows.
• Minimize manure transfer from cows to calves - feed calves first, separate
equipment, clean boots, etc.
C. Post-weaned calves and bred heifers
a. Management objectives: prevent exposure to infective animals and manure and
prevent contamination of feed and water.

15

b.

Suggested procedures:
•
Keep young stock in separate facility or area.
•
Do not co-mingle or allow direct contact with mature cattle or their manure.
•
Prevent water drainage from cow to young stock areas.
•
Use separate equipment to handle feed and manure.
•
Design and maintain feed and water to prevent manure contamination.
•
Do not feed refused cow rations to this group
•
Avoid traffic from cow areas to young stock.
•
Do not graze on pastures used by cows or where manure has been spread
that season

D. Mature Cattle
a. Management objectives: eliminate high-risk animals; manage test-positive animals to
reduce risk of exposing susceptible young stock
b. Suggested procedures:
• Segregate, test, and cull all animals with clinical signs of JD as soon as
possible.
• Manage asymptomatic JD test-positive animals to reduce premise
contamination.
• Cull when economically feasible.
E. Acquired Animals
a. Management objectives: not to purchase or bring back Johne’s infected cattle
b. Suggested procedures:
•
Know identity, health history and hygiene of herd(s) of origin.
•
Evaluate Johne’s risk in other species besides cattle such as goats and sheep
•
Ask for JD history, JD case rate/yr, testing results in herd(s) of origin.
•
Avoid buying animals from herd with JD risk higher than your herd.
•
Test animals (pre or post-purchase depending on age).
•
Do not buy or retain test positive cattle.
•
Segregate to prevent oral/fecal contact with young stock until test status is
known.
I. Herd Testing
a. Management objectives: determine presence and/or prevalence of disease; identify
infected animals; monitor progress of herd management plan.
b. Suggested procedures:
•
Do target testing to determine status.
•
Test suspects to know status and track clinical cull rate.
•
Accumulate herd test data, assess prevalence, target risk cattle and control
efforts.
•
Use routine timely testing schemes to provide current results for control
management decisions and stimulate Johne’s awareness and prevention
activity.
•
Use results as part of a management plan.

16

Action 7. List how JD management efforts will be a benefit to and integrate with other
health and performance issues.
This information is needed for the Management and Herd Testing Elements
Management efforts against Johne’s disease are often doubly justified because they can be
coordinated with and targeted to produce results or improvements in other herd health or
management priority areas. Plan how to capitalize on practices that also increase commitment
to and return on the producer’s overall biosecurity efforts. Some dairy herd examples might be:
Calving Area,
ƒ Removing calves immediately might improve labor observations and decrease dystocia
cases.
ƒ Removing calves immediately will reduce the risk of other fecal-oral pathogens.
ƒ Improving sanitation in the calving area will reduce the risk for some environmental
mastogens.
Pre-weaned Calves,
ƒ Feeding pasteurized milk may improve calf weight gains and decrease morbidity rates.
Cows,
ƒ More attention given to calving cows to protect calves might also reduce the risk for
periparturient diseases in cows. More frequent observations of cows and heifers in or
near labor may lead to early detection of signs of periparturient diseases.

Action 8. Reality check!

Is the plan appropriate? Plan to monitor it
This action should be completed for the Management and Herd Testing Elements
As the plan outline comes together make sure to perform a reality check, to confirm that
there is agreement on the elements and how they will be implemented. It is expected to
evolve with time. An appropriate plan should pass the following criteria.
a. Strategy should be comprehensive and effective enough to meet management goals.
b. Plan should take current JD prevalence estimate into account for setting realistic
goals.
c. It should be practical and feasible to implement. (It may be implemented in phases.)
d. Integrated with other farm management priorities and available resources.
e. Is in line with farm's short and long term business objectives.

Plans help change the way things are done and must be monitored on a regular basis. Agree to
routinely review and evaluate the plan, identify problems and adjust as needed. i.e.,
a. Evaluate implementation and effectiveness on a timely and regular basis, i.e. monthly,
seasonal checklist reviewed by team and veterinarian.
b. Identify areas "not working"; re-evaluate and modify as appropriate.

17

Elements of herd plans for different objectives
The aggressiveness of the plan depends on farm goals, prevalence, transmission risks, and
time frame. Testing strategy depends on herd prevalence, plan objectives and management
action capabilities.

Control Plan
Components

Aggressiveness of desired objectives for herd plan design
Least

Suggested
Objectives

Test choice and
strategy

Moderate

Preventive
Management
Initially investigate herd status
Minimize existing risks
Maintain prevalence
Minimize / manage introduced
infection
Lower sensitivity, less costly test
Initial mature herd screen
Partial herd (high risk animals)
Monitor clinical suspects

Test result use:
Cull

Clinical suspects
High risk test positives

Manage testpositive animals

Monitor positives for signs
Use as one culling criteria

Management

Prevent overcrowded calving areas
Clean & dry good sanitation
Remove newborn calves ASAP
Prevent young stock contact with
adults & manure
Minimize manure contamination of
feed and water, especially for
young stock

Coordinate with
other
management
priorities

Improve general management in
priority areas: dry cows, calving,
heifers, nutrition

18

Most

Control

Reduce or Eliminate

Reduce prevalence
Reduce clinical disease to <2%
Reduce premise contamination

Achieve low prevalence
No clinical disease
Eliminate infection
Thorough CMP implementation
Minimal time to reduce/eliminate

1-2 x/yr >20-24 mos of age
Serology w/ selected fecal
culture follow-up
Test subgroups (>165 D PREG)
Whole herd or partial herd
Time results to manage risks at
calving
Test clinical suspects early
Clinical suspects immediately
Subclinical test positives
prioritize by test result and
performance criteria
Consider culling offspring of
clinical dams

1-3 X/yr > 18 -24 mos of age
Whole herd regular intervals
Multiple tests
Maximize sensitivity & specificity
Time results to manage risks at
calving
Test clinical suspects early

Identify
Segregate or group
Do not feed milk or colostrum
Do not breed higher risk
positives
Keep calving area density low
Clean and dry good sanitation
Remove newborn calves
immediately
Separate immature from adults
with barriers or buffers
Feed low risk colostrum & milk,
or milk replacer
Eliminate manure contamination
of feed, water & equipment used
for young stock

Consider not raising any
replacements until low
prevalence
Other actions same as moderate
but more aggressive
Raise all replacements or
acquire from low risk source
Superior calving management.
and sanitation
Remove newborn calves
immediately
Separate young stock from
adults completely
Feed colostrum from test
negative animals to offspring of
positives, if raised
Feed replacer or milk from
negative cows only
Eliminate all feed, water &
equipment contamination

Focus management to improve
performance in related areas:
dry cow nutrition, calving, calves,
heifers, mastitis, reproduction,
cow comfort

Optimize management to
improve performance in related
areas: dry cow nutrition, calving,
calves, heifers, mastitis,
Minimize stress, improve cow
comfort

Clinical suspects immediately,
segregate until leave
Subclinical positives before
advanced disease
Consider offspring of test
positive dams