Prevalence of Michigan dairy herds infected with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis as determined by environmental sampling

A cross-sectional, stratified random survey of Michigan dairy herds was conducted to estimate the prevalence of herds infected with Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP), the causative agent of Johne's disease, in Michigan using targeted environmental sampling. One pooled sample each from the primary manure storage area and a high-traffic common cow area from each herd was collected and cultured for MAP using the ESP^® culture system II. A herd was classified as positive if at least one sample was culture positive for MAP. State, agricultural district, and herd size stratum prevalence were calculated. Information on past MAP testing and cattle purchase history was collected, and logistic regression was performed to determine their importance to the MAP status of the herd. One hundred twenty-seven herds were contacted, and 94 agreed to participate in the study. The environment of 38 (40.4%) herds cultured positive for MAP. MAP was found in all herds (n = 15) with greater than 200 lactating cows. Herds that had tested for MAP or purchased cattle in the previous 5 years were 4.6 and 3.1 times, respectively, more likely to be infected than herds that had not. MAP continues to be prevalent on Michigan dairy farms, especially those with greater than 200 lactating cows. The environmental sampling protocol used in this study is an economically attractive alternative for monitoring herd level prevalence and the progress of Johne's disease control programs at the state or national level. Implementation of such a program would aid states in monitoring Johne's control program progress, and guide changes over time.