Promoting A Stronger Dairy Sector

McGuinty Government Supporting Dairy Cattle Disease Prevention And Education Program
NEWS January 12, 2010

Dairy farmers and veterinarians are receiving support from the Province to prevent the spread of Johne’s disease in Ontario cattle.

The Johne’s Education and Management Assistance Program is an industry-led, four-year initiative focused on preventing the spread of Johne’s disease, a common bacterial infection in the intestinal tract of cattle. This program will be strengthened through a $300,000 investment from the Ontario government.

This initiative is the result of a commitment by dairy producers, industry members and veterinarians to enhance farm productivity, cattle health, a safe food supply and protection of the environment. This proactive, non-regulatory initiative complements the safeguards for animal health that the new Ontario Animal Health Act provides.

QUOTES
“Ontario’s dairy industry has provided strong leadership in promoting practices that contribute to animal and human health and food quality. These have always been important priorities for our government, and I am pleased to support efforts that will enhance the excellence of our province’s dairy industry.”
– Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

QUICK FACTS

Ontario dairy farmers represent the province’s largest commodity group, with an annual farm gate value of about $1.7 billion.
There are about 400,000 dairy cows in Ontario, averaging 60 cows per dairy farm.



LEARN MORE
Find out more about Johne’s disease

Read Ontario’s Animal Health Act

Discover the Dairy Farmers of Ontario