Farmers are urged to take action now to ensure they are ready for the beginning of the second phase of the National Johne’s Management Plan.
By the October 31 deadline, all farmers supplying purchaser members of the National Johne’s Management Plan will need to have a declaration of compliance co-signed by an accredited advisor.
The signed veterinary declaration is available only from British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) trained vets with further guidance now available on documentation on the Action Johne’s website.
Speaking about the launch of the new document, chairman of the Action Johne’s Group, Lyndon Edwards said: “The document sets out the steps farmers and vets need to take to secure the signed declaration required by phase II of the scheme.
The process is not difficult; it draws on established veterinary practices and test procedures. It just takes the necessary investment in time by both the farmer and vet.
“We recommend farmers initiate action before turnout when they have more time.
“The industry has just over seven months to deliver on the commitments it entered into when it embarked on the national management plan.
“Success in tackling the disease requires perseverance and by both farmers and vets. But the prize is still very much worth it. I urge farmers to move action on Johne’s up their priority list if they haven’t done so already.”
Johne’s Management Plan
The Action Johne’s Initiative is an open forum for industry stakeholders interested in tackling the disease.
The action group is chaired by Lyndon Edwards, a dairy farmer from Gloucester, who is also a director of the Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative (OMSCo) and chairman of Dairy UK’s Farmers’ Forum.
