The Ontario Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) is working with Ontario beef producers and veterinarians to raise awareness of and develop best management practices for Johne’s Disease. Johne’s Disease is a production-limiting disease that is spread to newborn calves through fecal-oral transfer. The greatest threat for the continued spread of the disease is in enclosed calving areas, where intensive calving practices take place during the winter. The most effective way of preventing the spread is by improving biosecurity practices.

With $54,000 in funding, from the Agricultural Biosecurity Program (ABP), the OCA is aiming to work with up to 100 Ontario beef producers who will have a veterinarian take blood samples from their herd, submit them for testing at the Animal Health Lab in Guelph for Johne’s Disease, and then develop a farm-specific Animal Health Risk Assessment and Management Plan (RAMP) for each participating producer.

This project will enhance the relationship between producers and their herd veterinarians, assisting both to become aware of industry initiatives towards enhanced biosecurity practices. Producers are encouraged to consult with veterinarians on herd disease prevention programs, due to the increasing pressure to focus on biosecurity measures. This project will enable producers to consult with their herd veterinarians on basic disease control principles using Johne’s Disease as the practical example.

“Thanks to Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) funding, this project will encourage the use of management plans and basic biosecurity protocols that Ontario cattle producers can implement on their own farms,” says OCA Executive Director Dave Stewart. “This will heighten awareness and minimize the spread of Johne’s Disease.”

This project commenced in October 2010 and is scheduled to wrap up in August 2012. Participating veterinarians were trained to identify Johne’s Disease risks on farm. Participating producers have completed a quiz on Johne’s Disease. The producers who have completed the program (on-farm RAMP), have a greater awareness of the risk factors for Johne’s Disease in general, as well as the risk factors that exist on their own individual farms.

The ABP is funded through Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The AAC assists in the delivery of several Growing Forward programs in Ontario.

For more information on the Johnes Beef Cattle Awareness Program please contact the OCA office at 1.866.370.2333 or contact Dr. Ann Godkin at OMAFRA reachable at 519.846.3409 or by email