Guidelines to farmers is due to be published next month

Tim Paige, of Wadhurst, East Sussex, set up Chronic Crohn's Campaign UK eight years ago after Sarah became ill.

After writing to Tony Blair, he took part in research looking at a possible link between Johne's disease, found in dairy herds, and Crohn's disease.

Guidance from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is due to be published in May.

A spokesman for Defra confirmed that the government was "looking to provide new advice to farmers and vets on spotting Johne's Disease in their livestock".

He said it would be premature to comment on findings before the consultation had been fully completed.

But Mr Paige said the fact that the consultation was taking place was a major step forward for sufferers of Crohn's and campaigners involved in the research.

He said: "It's a major achievement.

"I am actually being taken notice of, which is something I have strived for and got absolutely nowhere for over eight years, but now things are starting to happen."