Johne’s Disease and Crohn’s Disease
Dale R. Rice PVM 2009 College of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences Colorado State University There is an abundance of information to be Googled concerning a causal link between the human inflammatory bowel disease called “Crohn’s Disease” and a similar disease found in dairy cattle called “Johne’s Disease. The popular press has also reported on this potential link, extrapolating it to consumption of milk and milk products. As future veterinarians, it is highly likely that in our daily interactions with clients, we will be asked about this topic. We will be expected to not only be able to describe the diseases but be considered an expert source for the public on any zoonotic health risk. The amount of information, both in technical journals and popular press, is staggering. Although Crohn’s was been identified over fifty years ago and Johne’s identified close to one hundred years ago, it is still an emerging issue. Relatively new technologies such as PCR and PFGE have caused a rethinking of causal relationships. At the same time, people who either have or are closely associated to people who have the debilitating Crohn’s disease have not only easy internet access to information, but, the ability to easily publish their own “research” on searchable internet web sites. The food and meat industry has recently had to deal with the implications of highly (and sometimes overly) reactive public perceptions concerning food safety issues such as BSE, E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella. There can easily be some pressure to “downplay” or “market protect” the information for the “public interest”. Even as leading scientific organizations such as the “Institute for International Cooperation in Animal Biologics” (OIE) and the “Center for Food Security and Public Health at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University” are reporting a potential causal relationship, the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Inspection Service, Veterinary Services is published in 2003 that there is no published studies on a causal relationship.
USDA APHIS “Q. Can humans get Johne’s disease? A. So far, no epidemiological studies have been published that examine any connection between contact with animals with Johne’s disease and humans who develop Crohn's Disease, a human illness that in some ways, resembles Johne’s disease.” OIE, CFSPH, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University “M. avium paratuberculosis has been implicated as a possible cause of Crohn’s disease…”
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OIE Doc USDA APHIS Doc
The USDA APHIS as well as industrial associations have an inherent interest in minimizing any market reaction. A little as a 10% reduction in milk consumption could reduce the need for close to 1,000,000 dairy cows. A lose of close to one billion dollars to the industry. If the link was extended into the carcass beef industry, the reduction of 10% could mean an excess of close to 2 billion pounds of beef. So what is the responsibility for even small animal veterinarians? 1. Be Informed: This is an “Emerging” issue. The facts will be changing regularly. You must keep informed by reading the appropriate literature 2. Be a Source for factual information: Be sure that any literature you reference to your clients has a scientific, unbiased, position. 3. Don’t take a position without facts: If you are certain the facts are clear you can take a position. In the absence of facts be very cautious making recommendations. 4. Support public policy that funds research: Until this issue is resolved, funding must be devoted to research. To prevent biased research, public funding should be earmarked for this work. 5. Become Johne’s Certified: A number of states are creating certification programs for veterinarian on the topic of Johne’s Disease. This is the best method to become informed enough to consult on this disease. 6. Research: There is a need for researchers in this area. If you are considering basic research as a career, consider this important and growing area.