Test Results are confidential, within limits of Iowa law.
- Direct organism-based tests which detect Johne’s bacteria
- Fecal Culture - grows Johne’s organism from manure sample
- PCR - detects genetic material from Johne’s organism if present in the manure sample
- Indirect or antibody tests, including ELISA, detect an immune response from exposure to all types of Mycobacteria, including Johne’s bacteria
A positive ELISA classifies a herd as infected, but the ELISA test positive animal is considered a suspect. It is recommended that the suspect animal be confirmed by fecal culture within 45 days unless Johne’s has already been confirmed on the premises.
A positive fecal culture or fecal PCR, which are official Johne’s disease tests, designate the affected animal as infected
A positive fecal culture or PCR is to be reported to the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Johne’s disease is a reportable but not a quarantineable disease.
The infected animal is restricted to the premise.
The infected animal is identified with a C-punch in right ear (by the District veterinarian)
The identified infected animal can moved for the purpose of slaughter only and must be accompanied by an owner-shipper statement delivered to consignee.
An official JD test positive animal’s status may be appealed within 30 days of report, but is subjected to additional and extensive testing.