AVMA to sponsor Johne's educational materials

Schaumburg, Ill.-The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)says it will sponsor development of educational materials on Johne's disease.

The recommendation recently passed the AVMA's Executive Board. The sponsoredmaterials are for the United States Animal Health Association's NationalJohne's Working Group, and includes development of a CD-ROM which will covera wide range of topics including management, diagnostics, biosecurity strategiesand risk assessment documents.

The AVMA says its Animal Agriculture Liaison Committee is "greatlyconcerned with the prevalence of Johne's disease in the United States, becauseof the economic impact on dairy farmers and beef producers, but also becauseof the severe impact on animal health and well-being."

AVMA adds if a link is established between Johne's disease and Crohn'sdisease in humans, there may be a "significant" human health impact.Improving the awareness of the disease and knowledge of control measuresis worthy of support by the association.