Johne’s Disease Probably the most frustrating of cattle health problems is Johne's disease (pronounced Yoniz).  This disease is prevalent in all ruminant animals, including alpacas, sheep and goats - although there are different strains known as Bovine (cattle) and Ovine (alpacas, goats, sheep). Most cattle breeders will be aware that Johne’s Disease is a bacterial infection of the intestines which is easily transmitted to young calves. In Australia, it is a notifiable disease (must be reported to authorities) requiring strict control measures.  As yet, there is no cure for Johne's disease; affected animals eventually die.  Dairy herds are most at risk. Animals become infected by feeding and drinking from manure contaminated areas.  Cattle under 2 years of age are most susceptible to the disease and may not show any effects of contamination until they mature.  The most common signs of the disease are frequent bouts of diarrhoea followed by loss of weight until death. Australian authorities have instituted a national scheme whereby herds are tested for the disease. The property on which they are kept is inspected for secure fences, freedom from external water incursion and general hygiene. Paragon Miniature Herefords has been testing for Johne’s disease in Alpacas for some years now.  The test involves taking a faecal sample which is 'cultured' and tested at an accredited laboratory.  Due to the culture process, results may take 3 months or more to deliver.  Cattle tests are based on taking a blood sample and testing, this process is very quick and may take a week or less to deliver. Paragon holds Alpaca accreditation MN2 (Monitored Negative Two), for some time and more recently  have progressed to MN2 for Cattle at the Echunga property.  The two animal property segments are separated from each other by shelterbelts. If you are contemplating entering the program, we would be pleased to assist in any way possible. The logos we display at property entrances are respectively:                                                                 An informative reference on Johne's disease can be seen at the 'AnimalHealth Australia' website.

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