This is an infectious disease and the numbers keep rising. Unfortunately, little has been accomplished to deal with this profit-robbing disease on a nationwide basis. While it may not be the answer to all the issues, we hope it will get producers and processors to take action and begin to eradicate Johne s from their herds. Because along with processors, dairy producers are in the food production business.
Consumers expect food to be safe for consumption.
Experts tell us that in the next six months, a possible link between Johne s in cattle and Crohn s in humans will be disclosed in the consumer press. This will present an immediate and long-term threat to the dairy industry and the image of dairy products. As an industry, we need to get our heads out of the sand and be proactive in dealing with Johne s. Johne s Disease is also an international herd health issue for every dairy-producing country. Other nations have implemented regulatory and even mandatory approaches to managing the disease.