Validation of a New IDEXX Johne's Antibody ELISA for Use on Milk Samples

Abstract

Johne's disease (JD), also known as paratuberculosis, is a chronic infectious intestinal disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Over 68% of US dairy operations are infected with Johne's disease, causing decreased milk production, diminished fertility and a shortened production life. Johne's disease costs producers $250 per animal per year in infected herds. Lost productivity from Johne's disease is estimated at $200-$250 million per year. Regular ELISA testing, followed by control measures based on ELISA results, reduced infection rates from 10% to 3.5% in a recent Wisconsin study. The new IDEXX Mycobacterium paratuberculosis Antibody Test Kit (IDEXX M. pt. Ab ELISA), based on proven Institut Pourquier technology, has been validated and USDA licensed for use in bovine milk, serum, and plasma samples. It provides fast and accurate detection of MAP antibodies in dairy and beef cattle.