05/07/2026
Within the past few months, I have been contacted by goat breeders who have come into an experience with Johne's Disease. They somehow found out that I have had experience (and still having experience with it!)
If you are a ruminant owner and are asking "what is Johne's Disease", it would be most prudent to learn everything about it. At some point, it may pop up and best to know ahead of time how to respond.
It is a contaigious disease, spread through f***s, and a recent study from South America has shown that JD positive does, can transmit to fetuses. The best palce to start for information is Johnes.org. Michael Collins has spent a lifetime keeping this page up to date with information regarding JD. I am so grateful for his guidance and help with my encounter and JD. Read. Ask questions. I am absolutely appalled by the lack of knowledge of the disease, even from livestock DVM's. They seem to know how to diagnose, but as far as recommending what needs to be done, they give no further information. That is why YOU, need to educate yourselves.
Johne's is a very insidious disease. It can take 2-5 years before clinical signs can be seen in a ruminant that has acquired it. The affected animal may not be shedding in their f***l material for several years, but once it starts, the whole area where they live is contamnated and shared with all the other animals. Ruminants are the target, but with persistent exposure to high levels of the organism, many other species can be affected.
Johne's Disease was the "undoing" of the Royal Guernsey Goats in the United States. I was able to obtain the last of them and care for them. Sweetpea Maverick, who was 5 weeks when he came, is still with me and, thus far, doing well. He is totally segregated and when he is fed and cared for, I gown up with total PPE and go in. All his pellets are swept up and disposed of and I do everthing to prevent any cross contamination.
Because of his presence, I am committed to keeping the BGs that I have and continue to test them.
I have given information and have tried to help folks who have contacted me. I implore you to become familiar and, if you are buying a ruminant (goat, sheep, cow, llama, whatever!) ask about their herd health testing and whatever illness the herd has experienced in the past. Dr. Sarah Jane Owens has had her own experience and can attest to how devastating the disease can be. There are many other goat owners that can claim this as well. Don't become another one.
