Cost‐Effective Control Strategies for Johne's Disease in Dairy Herds |
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| Authors: | Loren W Tauer Ynte H Schukken Rebecca L Smith Zhao Lu Yrjo T Grohn |
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| Institution: | 1. 607‐255‐4402607‐255‐9984;2. Professor, Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University, , Ithaca, NY 14853;3. 607‐255‐8202607‐257‐8485;4. Professor, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, , Ithaca, NY 14853;5. 785‐341‐7974607‐253‐3440;6. Postdoctoral Associate, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, , Ithaca, NY 14853;7. 607‐253‐4086607‐253‐3440;8. Research Associate, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, , Ithaca, NY 14853;9. 607‐253‐4136607‐253‐3440 |
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| Abstract: | Johne's disease (JD), or paratuberculosis, is an incurable and infectious disease of ruminants, caused by infection with Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP), and costing an estimated CAD$15 million in Canada and US$200–$250 million in the United States. This study examines the economic and epidemiological consequences of various MAP control options in the context of controlling JD in dairy herds. A discrete optimal control model is developed utilizing the disease‐specific animal compartment model and maximizing the net present value of a dairy operation. The results identify the optimal control option together with the associated herd dynamics and optimal culling rates of cows in different infection states. The results show that comprehensive, effective, and profitable JD control programs can be developed for dairy farms. |
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