Vet college gets $1.1M to fight dairy disease

Charlottetown Atlantic Veterinary College has launched a program to battle Johne's disease, a bacteria that could have considerable consequences for the dairy industry in Atlantic Canada.

The disease affects the gastrointestial tract of cattle, causing a significant reduction in milk production and problems with reproduction. Greg Keefe, Innovation PEI research chair at the Vet College, is hoping 60 per cent of farmers in the region will take part in the research program.

"We take samples from the environment on the farm to see if we can identify whether the bacteria that causes Johne's disease is present," said Keefe.

"Once we establish that we can do risk assessments on the farm to help control the spread of the disease within the farm and decrease the impact on the next generation of animals born on the farm."

The three-year research program will cost $1.1 million, with the cost shared by the federal government and the four Atlantic dairy boards.

Keefe believes the program will help reduce the incidence of the disease in the region.