In this solo episode, Brad dives deep into Johne’s disease (paratuberculosis), a chronic intestinal illness affecting ruminants, with a particular focus on dairy cattle. Prompted by recent whole-herd milk ELISA testing at the University of Minnesota’s Morris dairy, Brad shares results, trends, and lessons learned from managing Johne’s over the years.

Key topics include:

• Clinical signs and long-term impact of Johne’s on milk production and cow longevity
• Interpretation of milk ELISA results and testing protocols
• Management decisions around culling, beef breeding, and calf-rearing practices
• Surprising trends in calf infection sources—including group housing and dam-rearing
• Insights from genetic studies showing heritability of Johne’s susceptibility
• Practical prevention strategies and the importance of annual testing

Whether you're dealing with Johne’s in your own herd or want to improve your disease prevention approach, this episode is packed with data, reflections, and takeaways to help guide on-farm decisions.

Johnes Disease - APHIS
MN DHIA Johnes Testing
DHIA Laboratories - Johnes Testing
Central Star Johnes Testing

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory

In this episode, Brad shares a recent case study from the University of Minnesota's dairy research center, where a group of spring-born calves experienced widespread scours. He walks through the onset of symptoms, including diarrhea, depression, and reduced milk intake, primarily in calves on an automatic feeder. Diagnostic testing confirmed rotavirus A as the culprit, ruling out other common pathogens like salmonella, cryptosporidium, and coronavirus.

Brad explains the importance of prompt treatment with electrolytes and continued milk feeding, emphasizing that hydration—not antibiotics—is key to recovery from viral scours. He also discusses how CT values from lab results helped indicate viral load and severity. While no calves were lost, the outbreak highlighted the critical role of sanitation, consistency in protocols, and whole-system prevention strategies including vaccination and colostrum quality.

Listeners will gain practical tips on treating and preventing scours, especially from rotavirus, and hear an honest account of real-world challenges in calf health management.

Causes and prevention of dairy calf scours

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory

Lyme Disease and the Long Road to Recovery: Brad’s Story

In this episode of The Moos Room, Brad shares his powerful personal journey through a long and challenging battle with Lyme disease. Starting with a seemingly harmless bite in July 2023, his symptoms progressed from fatigue to severe neurological issues, misdiagnoses, and multiple rounds of antibiotic treatments over the span of nearly two years. Brad also discusses the co-infections he faced, the impact on his mental health, and how Lyme changed his approach to life and work. Emily and Brad wrap up the episode with practical, actionable tick safety tips for anyone spending time outdoors—especially farmers and pasture-based livestock producers. May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and this episode is a vital listen.

Farm Safety Check: Tick-borne Disease

Tick-Borne Diseases

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory