The dairy industries in England, Scotland and Wales are joining forces to launch an Action Johne’s disease campaign, which will help manage and reduce the incidence of the disease in dairy cattle.
The project, developed by the Action Group on Johne’s, aims at engaging 80% of dairy farmers in Great Britain in credible and robust disease management activities by October 2016.
Lyndon Edwards, Chairman of the Action Group on Johne’s and of the Dairy UK Farmers’ Forum, said a industry-wide consultation of the draft project made it clear that the dairy industry wants to work together to tackle this disease.
“International experience has shown that if a rigorous control programme is instituted and applied robustly, Johne’s disease can be brought under control.
“This is confirmed by my own personal experience as a dairy farmer who has been successfully managing the disease on my farm for seven years.
“I’m pleased that all major stakeholders have come together to support this initiative which should deliver lasting benefits to the industry,” he said.
Derek Armstrong, DairyCo programme manager for endemic diseases said it is funding the Action Johne’s Initiative because we are confident it will generate significant commercial gains to dairy farmers through healthier and more productive animals.
“Johne’s has a major impact on industry profitability but can be managed in a cost effective manner. The initiative will also demonstrate the industry’s commitment to improving standards of animal welfare.”
According to Rob Harrison, NFU Dairy Board Chairman, it is vitally important that as an industry, we manage Johne’s disease if we are to remain competitive and have a sustainable future for the dairy sector.
“There are huge potential cost benefits to be had by getting on top of this disease and we welcome the introduction of this initiative.”
Speaking about the requirements of Action Johne’s Initiative, Mr Edwards said what farmers are being asked in phase 1 is initially very modest.
“We just want them to assess the risks of entry, presence and spread of MAP infection in their herd and determine their Johne’s risk and status by March 2016.
“By October 2016 we want them to have implemented in consultation with their vet one of the six control strategies developed by the Action Group on Johne’s. We’ll then review the plan and determine how it should be taken forward in phase 2.”
