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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Animal Disease Center » Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #203640
Title: Evaluation of Control Points in Youngstock and Adult Dairy Cow Management to Control Transmission of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis

Author
item GODDEN, S - UNIV. OF MN
item WELLS, S - UNIV. OF MN
item GARDNER, I - UNIVERSITY OF CA, DAVIS
item FETROW, J - UNIV. OF MN
item Stabel, Judith

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/20/2006
Publication Date: 12/1/2006
Citation: Godden, S., Wells, S., Gardner, I., Fetrow, J., Stabel, J.R. 2006. Evaluation of Control Points in Youngstock and Adult Dairy Cow Management to Control Transmission of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis [abstract].

Interpretive Summary: Morbidity and mortality in neonatal calves is a major concern for dairy producers. Evidence suggests that calves can become infected shortly after birth by exposure to pathogens such as Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, Salmonella, and Mycoplasma in either the feces or milk of infected dams, bedding or cohabitation with other infected animals. These pathogens may be spread to calves through colostrum from sick or infected cows. Some producers have opted to feed colostrums replacers to their calves to avoid the potential spread of disease. However, this is an additional expense that some producers cannot afford. This study describes some critical control points for improvement of herd health through management, including maternity pens, heifer rearing, colostrum and waste milk management, and environmental concerns. Information from these experiments will provide information on useful management tools for dairy producers in allaying the spread of infectious disease to their calves and improving their health of their herds.

Technical Abstract: Complete a series of prospective controlled on-farm trials to critically evaluate the efficacy and cost-benefit of commonly recommended management practices for reducing the transmission of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) in youngstock in infected herds.