Prevention pays !! The most common way that this infection is introduced to a bison herd is through purchase of an animal from an infected herd. Learn the Johne's disease test status and clinical history of the herd, not just the individual animal(s) you are considering for purchase. If the M. paratuberculosis infection prevalence in the source herd is not known, at least :	Prevention pays!! The most cost-effective way of managing Johne's disease is never to acquire the infection in the first place. Know the Johne's disease status of herds from which you may purchase an animal. Keep calves away from potentially infected adults and contaminated adult manure.

• Closely assess the body condition of all adult bison in the herd.
• Discuss the clinical history (have there been any unexplained cases of weight loss and/or diarrhea?) over the last few years with the seller and the seller's veterinarian if possible.
• Test the animal(s) to be purchased by fecal culture. Results of the test should be received prior to introducing the purchased bison to your herd.

Good luck! Lots of honest people have accidentally sold bison with Johne's disease. YOUR challenge is not to be the person who bought Johne's disease. Be a smart buyer.