Johne's Disease Q & A

The National Johne's Disease Working Group has prepared Q & A booklets about Johne's Disease in sheep and goats.

Johne's (pronounced "YO-knees") is a fatal gastrointestinal disease of sheep, goats, and other ruminants. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis.  Also known as paratuberculosis, the infection is contagious and can spread in a flock.

Sheep with advanced Johne's disease
Image source:  Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand

Due to lack of testing and reporting, it is not known how widespread Johne's disease is in sheep and goats in the United States. However, it has been confirmed in sheep flocks and goat herds throughout the country.

Johne's Disease Q & A for Goat Owners
Johne's Disease Q & A for Sheep Owners

Other Johne's links