Johne’s disease testing is performed through a joint effort between the Food Safety Services and Veterinary Services laboratories at Marshfield Clinic. Marshfield Food Safety uses an internally developed rapid test for the detection of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), the causative agent of Johne’s disease. 

The test uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to detect the genetic material (DNA) specific to MAP.  This test can be completed in as few as eight hours and does not require further testing for confirmation. Typical time to result is two to three days. This rapid test eliminates the 16-week wait for results when using traditional culture methods and allows management decisions regarding an animal to be made in a much more timely manner.

Marshfield Food Safety is accredited through the United States Department of Agriculture –National Veterinary Service Laboratory to perform Johne’s disease testing by both PCR and culture methods.  The method has been approved by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and can be used to classify herd status through the voluntary Wisconsin Johne’s Disease Management Market Program.