Carolyn Baguley explains more about phase 2 of the National Johne’s Management Plan.
The National Johne’s Management Plan (NJMP), facilitated by Dairy UK, is entering Phase 2. While Phase 1 focused on farmer engagement, Phase 2 will take things further by requiring farmers to consult with BCVA Johne’s accredited vets.
Many of you will have been made aware of this already by your milk processor. By 31st October 2018, both vets and farmers will be asked to sign a declaration confirming that an assessment of Johne’s risk and status has been undertaken on the farm in the last 12 months, and that there is a written Johne’s Management Plan in place which has been agreed with the herd owner. The certificates will be updated in 2019 with another signed declaration confirming that the actions agreed in the written Johne’s management plan have been carried out.
Some of you have engaged extensively with controlling Johne’s disease for many years now. For others, it has been less of a focus. Either way, you will reap benefits from fully participating in Phase 2. The risk assessments may highlight many areas with great potential for improvement on the farm, or just a few, or they may remind you of things you did in the past that have now lapsed or been forgotten about.
We have several Johne’s-accredited vets in the practice, so do give us a call. This is a great chance to re-engage and make sure that you a) know the Johne’s disease status on your farm and b) know where your main risks lie in terms of Johne’s entering the farm and spreading within it. Only then can you begin to control this disheartening and costly disease.
