ABSTRACT

Johne's Disease -- The International Perspective

Michael T. Collins, DVM, PhD and Elizabeth J.B. Manning, MPH, DVM
Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, Wisconsin

INTRODUCTION: Why is it of interest to assess the global prevalence of Johne's disease? With agriculture, as with any aspect of modern life, neighbors' conditions affect one another. As the definition of "neighbor" is no longer limited to geographic proximity but includes those with whom we work and trade, unaffected by distance, it behooves us to appreciate circumstances beyond our borders.

In all likelihood, Johne's disease is to be found in every country. Being free of the disease is probably more a function of how hard one has looked than a true lack of incidence. Knowing that paratuberculosis is at least a potential if not actual concern for every country should promote a realistic, useful international perspective of the disease. A complete grasp of the extent of paratuberculosis will assist all those affected in the many ways possible by the disease, whether through regulatory activities, livestock management of medicine, research, and public health. This assistance will take the form of developing practical management, regulatory and economic policies. These policies, having been based on actual conditions, vs. abstract extrapolations, will support a uniform global arena for agricultural endeavors.

PARA's SUMMARY

A LOOK AT OF THE JOHNE'S -- AND MAP -- SITUATION AROUND THE WORLD