Yes, pigs can potentially become infected with Johne’s disease, also known as paratuberculosis, from sheep and goats. While Johne’s disease primarily affects ruminants like sheep, goats, and cattle, the bacterium causing the disease, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), can be transmitted to other species, including pigs.

Key points on Johne’s disease transmission

Primary Transmission Route: The main route of infection is fecal-oral, meaning animals ingest the bacterium from feed or water contaminated with infected feces.

Contaminated Environments:

Infected animals shed MAP in their manure, contaminating the environment, including pastures, feed and water sources, and housing areas.

Young Animals Most Susceptible: Newborns and young animals are particularly vulnerable to infection.
Potential for Cross-Species Transmission: Studies indicate that the infection can spread from one ruminant species to another (e.g., cattle to goats or sheep).

Pigs as Atypical Hosts: While pigs are not the natural hosts, there have been reports of MAP infecting them, and even causing illness, according to the Johne’s Information Center.

Important notes

Johne’s disease is not the same as Crohn’s disease in humans: While some researchers explore a potential connection between MAP and Crohn’s disease, the majority of gastroenterologists do not believe there is a direct causal link.

Prevalence in Pigs: Compared to ruminants, the occurrence of Johne’s disease in pigs is less common, but the possibility of transmission and infection exists, especially in environments where pigs share housing or pastures with infected sheep or goats.

Biosecurity Measures:

Implementing strong biosecurity measures, such as proper manure management, cleaning and disinfection of facilities, and preventing co-housing of pigs with ruminants from unknown health status, can help reduce the risk of transmission.

If you suspect Johne’s disease in your animals, consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and advice on prevention and control strategies.

Yes, goats can contract Johne’s disease, also known as paratuberculosis, from sheep.  Johne’s disease is a chronic, contagious bacterial infection that affects the intestines of various ruminants, including sheep, goats, and cattle. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP).

Here’s why goats can get it from sheep:

Transmission:

Johne’s disease is primarily spread through fecal-oral transmission, meaning animals can become infected by ingesting the bacteria present in the feces of infected animals.

Shared Pastures:

Goats can contract the disease by grazing on pastures previously used by sheep infected with Johne’s.

Species-to-Species Transmission:
Johne’s disease can be transmitted between different ruminant species, including sheep and goats, according to www.nj.gov.

Key points about Johne’s disease in goats:

Clinical Signs: In goats, the most consistent sign of Johne’s disease is chronic weight loss, even with a good appetite. Diarrhea may also occur, though it’s less common than in cattle.

No Cure: There is no cure for Johne’s disease.

Prevention: Maintaining a closed herd, purchasing animals from Johne’s-tested herds, and avoiding shared grazing with infected animals are crucial preventative measures, according to the American Dairy Goat Association.

The price of a goat can vary significantly, depending on several factors including:

Breed: Different breeds have different purposes (meat, milk, fiber, pets) which can affect their value.

Age and Sex: Younger goats and breeding animals (especially bucks with superior genetics) typically cost more than older goats or neutered males (wethers).

Quality: Show-quality goats or those with proven breeding potential will command higher prices than pet-quality animals.

Registration: Registered purebred goats are often more expensive than unregistered ones.

Location and Market Demand:

Prices can vary by region and fluctuate based on seasonal demand, with higher prices in late winter and early spring and lower prices in the summer.

Price ranges

Pet-quality kid: $200 – $500
Breeding-quality doe (female): $500 – $1,500

Breeding-quality buck (male): $1,000 – $3,000 or more

Show-quality goat: $2,000 – $5,000 or more

Registered purebred miniature goat (e.g., Nigerian Dwarf, Pygmy): Up to $500

Unregistered Nubian doeling: Under $200

Unregistered Nubian doe in milk: $200 – $400

Wethers (castrated males): $100 – $200

Boer goat doe (quality, registered): $600

Boer goat buckling (untested, good breeding lines): $1,200

Considerations

Buying from a breeder: Generally more expensive but offers more information about lineage, health, and quality.

Adoption: Can be less expensive, sometimes as low as $40-$80 for a Pygmy goat, and may include health records.

Goat dairies: Some may even give away bucklings for free.

Local auctions or online marketplaces (e.g., Craigslist, Facebook groups): May offer cheaper goats but require careful assessment of health and temperament.

Note: It’s always advisable to ask about health records and ensure the goat has been tested for common diseases like CL, CAE, and Johne’s, regardless of where you purchase it.