Abstract
This article examines the policy implications of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) as a zoonotic pathogen and the public health risks posed by the presence of MAP in food, particularly milk products. Viable MAP has been cultured from commercially pasteurized milk in the US. Dairy pasteurization standards and regulations are examined in light of this finding. On the basis of the precautionary principle, the authors suggest options to reduce exposure to MAP, including (1) increased federal authority to regulate pasteurization of all dairy products, (2) modification of pasteurization standards in order to more effectively kill MAP, (3) removal of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) provision that allows states to override federal policy in intrastate dairy sales, and (4) creation of a mandatory Johne's Disease Control Program. These measures would reduce human exposure to MAP and may reduce the risk of diseases associated with MAP.
Highlights
MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM SUBSPECIES PARATUBERCULOSIS AND JOHNE’S DISEASEMycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is a bacterium that causes Johne’s disease (JD) in ruminants including cattle, sheep, goats, deer, bison, llamas, and elk [1]
MAP has historically been considered purely an animal pathogen, a growing body of evidence suggests that MAP is a zoonotic pathogen, raising challenges for policymakers and public health officials to ensure the safety of the food supply
Based on the increasing evidence that MAP is a zoonotic pathogen transmitted through the food supply, the CDC, USPHS, and FDA underestimate the frequency and severity of foodborne illness associated with pasteurized dairy products
Summary
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is a bacterium that causes Johne’s disease (JD) in ruminants including cattle, sheep, goats, deer, bison, llamas, and elk [1]. Cows infected with MAP excrete the organism in their feces and, to a lesser extent, in milk. MAP has historically been considered purely an animal pathogen, a growing body of evidence suggests that MAP is a zoonotic pathogen, raising challenges for policymakers and public health officials to ensure the safety of the food supply. This article discusses the role of MAP as a zoonotic pathogen, the presence of the organism in the food supply, in milk, and state and federal regulations relating to dairy products and pasteurization. Options to reduce the level of MAP in milk products are suggested. MAP has been cultured from beef and some sources of municipal water, the focus of this article is the presence of MAP in milk and ways to reduce this presence
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
