Conference Recognises Real Progress on Johne's Disease
UK - The UK dairy industry is now positively addressing the issue of Johne’s disease in cattle. This is a direct result of progress in awareness and understanding of the disease over the course of the last two years.
12 October 2012
1 minute read
Speaking at the Dairy UK/DairyCo Johne’s Disease Conference in Worcester today, Dairy UK Technical Director Ed Komorowski said: “Almost one quarter of dairy herds in GB have now engaged in a Johne’s management programme, which is an enormous step forward on where we were two years ago. Dr Komorowski explained that there had been huge strides made in measuring the prevalence and economic importance of the disease.
“We can now quantify, based on a large number of test results, the reduction in milk yield, the effect on somatic cell counts, increased infertility and premature culling resulting from Johne’s disease in the dairy herd” he said.
“The challenge for the industry now is to establish and implement farm management procedures which take Johne’s into account. These need to be cost effective and robust enough to make an impact” said Mr Komorowski. “Doing nothing is not an option, because the situation will only deteriorate. What is required is a long term commitment.”
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