Wells, a professor with the University of Minnesotas veterinary college, says increased exposure to humans could evolve into mandatory control programs for producers. Surprisingly less is known regarding the economics associated with the pathogens control.
This pathogen is much more resilient than E. coli or Salmonella, Wells says. If this becomes a public health issue, our world will be quite different. I guess time will tell on that.
An ideal way to control Johnes disease is by separating infected maternity herds from those animals free of the disease, but the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports just a third of all dairy operations do so.
Vaccination is another option, but Wells notes the inoculation is known to cause side effects. To date, just one study has been published evaluating the vaccine, he says.
I think its pretty clear that the study shows vaccination reduces disease, and it costs about $15 a cow, he says. Its also known to cause side effects. But if this becomes a public health risk, vaccination is the best option.
Other means for management might soon become clear considering USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has spent roughly $20 million funding government research grants.
Still, I think weve got a long way to go on controlling the disease, he says. I think if we had more data on this wed all feel a little better.
Source: http://.advanstar.com/6D6569736C6572/dvmnews-1-web.html
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