Testing for Johne’s Disease with Actiphage provides the information required to introduce an effective National Johne’s Management Plan (NJMP).
And, if Actiphage is used to test new stock, it minimises the risk of introducing diseased animals into the herd.
Although the NJMP is currently voluntary, as evidence grows of a potential link between Johne’s Disease in animals and Crones Disease in humans, it is anticipated that it will be advantageous for farmers to show they have a NJMP in place. Regular testing with Actiphage provides evidence of a disease-free status.
Actiphage can be used to give more accurate information about the disease status of a particular animal, or to screen a herd that includes animals with a history of poor yields, weight loss or high somatic cell counts.
Three steps in Phase One for the NJMP
1. On farm Johne’s disease risk assessment – by the BAJVA using a formal risk assessment tool. Risk of disease entry and spread will be identified to help determine the correct control plan for the herd.
2. An assessment of herd Johne’s disease status – this requires a screening test.
- The minimum testing requirement to determine status for the NJMP is either a 30-cow screen or a cull-cow screen.
- Discuss with your herd vet, the best option for your farm.
3. A written Johne’s management plan – this will be based on the findings from steps 1
and 2 and must be agreed between the farmer and the vet.
Complements JD Tracker
Farmers and vets are increasingly using the JD Tracker, developed by the Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics Research Unit (VEERU, University of Reading) and supported by the National Action Group on Johne’s (Orpin et al., 2022) to determine the prevalence of Johne’s Disease in the herd.
Actiphage can inform the management strategy by providing further information about individual animals.
More information
National Johne’s Management Plan (NJMP) is supported by AHDB, NFUS, APHA, NMR, BCVA, Park Vet Group, CIS, RAFT Solutions, FUW, Red Tractor, MyHealthyHerd, SAC, NFU, West Ridge Vet Practice.