US voluntary Johne's disease herd status program for cattle

Johne's disease occurs in cattle herds throughout the United States. A recent national survey found 22 percent of dairy herds are infected. Results from a national study of beef cattle are pending. In 1993 the United States Animal Health Association (USAHA) adopted a model Johne's disease herd certification program. However, few herd owners elected to pursue certification, citing the amount of testing and associated cost as a hindrance. In 1997, the USAHA National Johne's Working Group appointed a committee to design a more affordable, flexible and yet scientifically sound herd certification program. The result is the U.S. Voluntary Johne's Disease Herd Status Program for Cattle (VJDHSP). The VJDHSP program is designed to identify cattle herds of low risk of M. a. paratuberculosis infection using the least number of requirements possible to encourage participation. The program consists of two tracks - Standard and Fast Track - with four Levels. The Standard Track begins with a minimal financial investment and requires at least three years and four tests to reach Level 4. Fast Track herds skip Level 1 with a statement by the herd owner that Johne's disease is not known or suspected to have existed in the herd of origin during the past five years. Fast Track herds may reach Level 4 in two years with three tests. Both tracks utilize various combinations of ELISA testing and fecal culture over time. The U.S. VJDHSP is part of a national strategic plan that includes a national educational campaign and guidelines for states to assist infected herds. The strategic plan is designed to reduce the prevalence of and eventually eradicate Johne's disease from the United States.