Pennsylvania implemented a Johne's disease control program because of the early recognition of Johne's disease in the state, the recognized importance of this disease to the agricultural economy and the lack of any effective treatment. The primary objectives of the program were to reduce the prevalence of paratuberculosis in infected herds and to provide farmers with the means to control the disease through management techniques and diagnostic support. Pennsylvania government believed it had a duty to protect agriculture from Johne's disease and it believed the imposition of restrictions of known infected animals was necessary since the addition of clinically normal Johne's carriers to cattle herds appeared to be the single most important source of infection for herds. Participation in the program required a signed memorandum of understanding between the state and the farmer. The program gradually grew in size with more than 20,000 animals fecal tested annually with additional herds on the waiting list. Indemnity paid to farmers for the slaughter of infected cattle often exceeded $100,000 annually. With continued growth of the program especially in difficult economic times other options for control of Johne's disease in cattle were sought. Implementation of a paratuberculosis test negative program replaced the control program in 1992. The impact of the Johne's control program and the rationale for the change in emphasis will be outlined in detail.