The Utah State Legislature has established funding for laboratory testing of 30 cows per herd for Johne's Disease. Herds that test negative may qualify for Status Level One of the Utah Johne's Disease Herd Status Program. Such a designation is an indication to other livestock owners and consumers that your herd does not have Johne's Disease (at a confidence level of 85%). Herds that are found to have Johne's Disease present can then implement a disease control program.

Make application to participate in the program to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. Applications may be obtained from your veterinarian or county extension agent or from the Department by calling (801/538-7161). Test tubes and information will be sent to your veterinarian.

Have your veterinarian collect blood samples from 30 cows (randomly select from those which have had at least two calves). Your veterinarian will send the samples to the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Logan for testing. The veterinarian will bill you for his services, but not for test tubes or laboratory fees. The Department will pay for the test tubes and laboratory fees through the legislative funding.

The laboratory will report test results to the Department and your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will not be required to release the identity of your farm without your permission, based on veterinarian-client confidentiality.