Good Practice based on Current Knowledge
Maintain a closed herd and high biosecurity (see Animal Health and Welfare in Organic Cattle).
- If animals are bought in, attempt to buy from Johne’s disease monitored herds or
test before arrival (a test cannot guarantee freedom from disease and a 4 month quarantine
on the farm would be needed).
- In the case of suspected Johne's disease in the herd, test all animals over 2 years of
age and cull positive animals and their offspring. In an infected herd,
calves should be removed from the dams immediately after birth and given
colostrum that is known to be free of the bacteria.
- Consider joining a Johne’s disease screening and eradication programme, such as PCHS or Herdcare.
- Consider a Johne’s disease free monitoring programme, such as PCHS or Herdcare,
to be able to sell organic breeding animals at a premium.