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Johne's Funding Commitment Renewed

U.S. Department of Agriculture's Cooperative State Research, Education & Extension Service  awarded the Johne's Disease Integrated Program $4.8 million in renewed funding of four years to control and ultimately eliminate the disease.

Johne's is an intestinal infection caused by bacteria most often seen in ruminant animals. It causes weight loss, decreased milk production and reduced fertility. Current estimates indicate that up to 70% of U.S. dairy herds, and a smaller percent of beef herds, are infected with the disease.

CSREES' National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program initially funded JDIP in 2004 with a three-year, $4.4 million grant. The continuation of the program will focus on developing new diagnostic tests, vaccines and strategies to help producers manage, control and prevent the disease. The program began with 70 scientists from 24 leading academic and government institutions and has since grown to more than 170 researchers around the globe.

Source: Feedstuffs