- Johne's testing will continue to be offered through the ODA Animal Health Lab at "materials only cost". For further information call the lab at 503-986-4686, or vist the ODA Johne's web site at http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/AHID/animal_health/cl_johnes.shtml.

- ODA assistance is available for formulating Risk Assessments and Management Plans for Johne's and other bovine fecal borne diseases. This assistance will be on a time available, first-come-first-serve basis.

- A trial using pooled PCR as a Johne's testing technique will be conducted. The hope is that this will develop into a test that yields rapid results, is sensitive and is cost effective.

- Johne's educational materials are to be distributed to dairy producers and beef seedstock producers in the state.

- Assistance in maintaining participation in and becoming part of the Johne's Status Program is also available through the ODA.

The ELISA test detects 85 percent of moderate-to-high shedding animals. It detects a proportionally lower percentage of low shedding animals.

The ELISA misses up to 15 percent of moderate-to-high shedders.

Research shows that when the ELISA test is used in conjunction with effective management the outcome is a significantly reduced level of infection within a herd.

The ELISA test results are available within one week.

The ELISA test is most effective when used regularly in a dry cow testing regime at dry off.

The fee is $13.00 for the first test, then $4.50 for each additional test up to 10 samples, then $4.00 for each additional test over 10 samples.

The fecal culture is more sensitive than the ELISA. The culture test usually detects all moderate-to-high shedding animals.

The culture test detects a greater percentage of low shedding animals than the ELISA does.

Very low counts (One or two colony forming units) may be due to a phenomenon known as pass through. Pass through is when a cow ingests the organism and it passes through her gastro-intestinal system and is cultured in the cow's manure.

• One third of very low count cows will show increased shedding and eventually become clinical
  

• One third continue to shed very low levels of organism
  

• One third may not culture positive again
  

The fecal culture test requires six weeks to detect high shedders and 12 weeks for full results.
 
The culture test is effective in vaccinated herds.

 
The fecal culture test may be a desirable method for herds that are not seeing enough progress with ELISA testing, or in herds that are close to eradication.

 
In herds with low prevalence of Johne's (<10 percent culture positive), pooling may be considered to reduce cost.
 
The fecal culture test should be most effective when used regularly in a pre-dry test regime.
 
In very low incidence herds, fecal samples may be pooled in groups of five to improve cost effectiveness of the test.
The fee is $12 per test, whether samples are single or pooled.

• Rapid tool for detecting high shedders.
  

• Results available within one week
  

• Effective in vaccinated herds.
  

• Should be most effective when used regularly in a dry cow testing regime.
  

• $45 first test, then $12.00 each additional test.
  

•           A trial using pooled PCR technique should be complete by fall of 2010.             This may offer a new, rapid, sensitive and affordable Johne's test.

Don Hanen, ODA field veterinarian

503-986-4680

• Participants must have a current Risk Assessment and Management Plan
• All test results are confidential
• Tests are available as follows:

• Blood ELISA: $13.00 first test; $4.50 per test for 2-10 tests; $4.00 per test for more than 10 tests
• Fecal culture: $45.00 first test; $12.00 each additional test
• Fecal PCR: $45.00 first test; $12.00 each additional test

• Contact your private practitioner or ODA to conduct a Risk Assessment and prepare a Management Plan. This assessment and plan provides an effective means of dealing with Johne's and all other fecal borne diseases.
• One hundred forty Oregon dairy herds are enrolled in the Johne's Management Program.

• Fifteen herds are enrolled in the Johne's Test Negative Program.
• If you want to participate, call 503-986-4680.

• Contact your herd veterinarian
• Don Hanesn, Oregon Department of Agriculture field Veterinarian / Designated Johne's Coordinator, 503-986-4680

• Mistvale Farms, The Fletchers
• Buz Gibson, Lockmead Dairy
• The Johnston's, Spring Valley Farm
• Oregon State University Dairy
• Jack Perrin
• Dean and Patty Tohl

• Lynne & Randall Miller

• Tim Jenck
• River Bend Jerseys, The Mahaffy's
• Bill Mast
• Rocha Jerseys
• Sun Valley Jerseys, The Seals
• Milky Way Dairy, The Williamsons
• Mission Lane Farm, The Zielinksis

• The Mann's, Mann's Guernsey Dairy*