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The most common way
that the infection is introduced to a herd is through purchase of an animal from
an infected herd. Prior to purchase, the optimal course is to learn the test-status
of the source herd and to test the elk that are to be purchased. If the prevalence
of M. paratuberculosis infection is not known, the best most purchasers
can do is to closely assess the body condition of all the adult animals in the
source herd, discuss the clinical history of the herd over the past few years
with seller and the seller's veterinarian if possible and test the animal to be
purchased by fecal culture. Results for the test should be received prior to introducing
the elk to the new herd.
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Calves
should be kept away from infected adults and adult manure that may be contaminated
with the organism. Learn the Johne's disease infection or test status of the source
herd for any elk you are considering for purchase. Should you need to hand-rear
calves, use pasteurized milk.
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