UNITED STATES ANIMAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION
8100 THREE CHOPT ROAD, SUITE 203 * P.O. BOX K227
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23288
(804) 285-3210 FAX (804) 285-3367

November 3, 1997

Ms. Karen Meyer
Executive Director
Paratuberculosis Aggressive Research Association
PO Box 16219
Temple Terrace, FL 33687-6219

Dear Ms. Meyer :

I want to personally thank you and your constituents for attending the National Johne's Working Group meeting and the USAHA Johne's Committee meeting. Your personal experience and knowledge of the devastation Crohn's Disease can cause to patients and their families was a message we all need to hear again and again. Your presence added a dimension to the committee which will re-enforce its commitment to determine if there is, in fact, a link from Johne's Disease to Crohn's Disease.

I was not able to attend the Johne's sessions in their entirety, however, I was fortunate to hear your presentations. As I listened to you speak, I felt confident there are many more issues on which we agree than disagree. I am sure everyone on the Working Group and the Johne's Committee shares your frustration with the length of time it has taken to get to this point and disappointment that more has not been done. Nevertheless, the scientific tools needed to make the assessments and determinations of whether there is such a link between the two diseases are inadequate. We all agree, more needs to be done in that area. Although we are disappointed that we have not progressed further, I, on the other hand, commend the volunteers for the dedication they have shown by serving on the Johne's Committee and the working group.

The Johne's Committee submitted nine resolutions to the membership, all of which were approved (copy enclosed). Although these resolutions do not exactly mirror your three proposals, I hope you can agree the intent is very similar.

It's apparent, from your letter to me, dated October 23, 1997, that you have a different perception of what USAHA resolutions and recommendations mean. I had, coincidently, addressed this issue with the committee chairs earlier in the week at the Program Committee meeting. The USAHA guidelines for recommendations, as presented to committee chairs, are as follows:

Recommendations from committees

a. Committees may utilize recommendations rather than resolutions to communicate desired actions or direction to agencies, or other entities for which there is general consensus in the committee and from the agency or entity the request is directed.

b. Committee recommendations are an important part of the committee actions and must be included in the committee report. Recommendations are approved (or rejected) as part of the committee report by the Executive Committee, and printed in the proceedings as apart of the committee report.

c. Committee chairs should follow-up on committee recommendations to assure the desired and agreed upon action is taken. If the recommendation is not enacted, the committee may wish to continue the recommendation or upgrade it to a resolution at the next annual USAHA meeting.

d. The appropriate utilization of recommendations to communicate desired actions will reduce the number of resolutions and achieve the desired action by the entity to which it was directed.

Resolutions from Committees

a. Resolutions are utilized to convey the need for an action by the entity or agency to whom it is directed.

b. Resolutions are utilized for situations in which there is not general agreement between the committee and the entity or agency to whom it is directed, or for issues that demand greater attention or for which more urgent action is desired.

c. Resolutions are approved (or rejected) by vote of the membership of the USAHA during the annual business meeting.

d. The USAHA submits resolutions to the targeted entity or agency. Committee chairmen follow-up to determine if the targeted entity or agency initiates the desired action.

It must be understood that the entity or agency, to whom USAHA recommendations or resolutions are targeted, can accept the recommendation or resolution and initiate the desired action, reject the recommendation or resolution and refuse to take action, or take an entirely different approach than that supported by the USAHA.

The USAHA has been successful in achieving change and improvement in regulatory animal health programs, support for essential research, and support for action on important issues. This is because the USAHA represents a strong consensus from regulated industries, state animal health officials, university and research officials, and federal animal health officials. Our success is not based upon any legal authority to require the targeted entity or agency to take an action recommended by the USAHA.

I invite you to continue to work with USAHA's Johne's Committee and Working Group as we strive to find the answer to the excruciating question of whether there is a link between Johne's Disease and Crohn's Disease. I will be happy to help you in whatever way I can; however, it would probably be more appropriate if you have other issues or concerns to address them with Dr. Jones Bryan, the incoming USAHA President.

Sincerely,

Larry L. Williams, DVM
Past President USAHA

LLW:jw

Enclosure

copies: Jones Bryan
Bill Rotenberger