Farm-level economic analysis of the US National Johne's Disease Demonstration Herd Project.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate farm-level economic costs and benefits related to control of paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) in dairy herds in the National Johne's Disease Demonstration Herd Project (NJDDHP). DESIGN: Economic analysis. SAMPLE POPULATION: 40 dairy herds enrolled in the NJDDHP. PROCEDURES: A farm-level economic analysis of the US NJDDHP was performed. Costs and benefits of management-related practices to control Johne's disease were estimated on the basis of results for 40 dairy operations enrolled in the project. From these costs and benefits, the net present value (NPV) for control of Johne's disease was estimated. Results-Analysis revealed a mean NPV of $34/animal (equivalent to approx $3/animal/y) when there were no testing costs for producers and a mean NPV of -$14/animal when testing costs were borne by the producers. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Management-related practices to control Johne's disease were typically found to be of marginal economic benefit when the costs of testing were not borne by producers. The continuation of the NJDDHP for another 2 to 4 years would allow more precise estimation of the economic benefits of a control program for Johne's disease.