How does it affect me and my clients?
As you may be aware, NML are soon to begin running a Johne’s initiative with all of their Herdwise customers – a number of which are also likely to be your clients. The initiative, which utilises the Myhealthyherd Johne’s Module, aims to ensure that livestock keepers are armed with both the knowledge and the tools to tackle Johne’s on their farm.
In line with best practice, both NML and Myhealthyherd are keen to ensure that the farmer’s vet has as much involvement as possible in implementing a successful Johne’s disease management strategy and we therefore wanted to provide you with a brief overview of how the programme works (NML will also contact you separately).
How does it work?
1. Biosecurity and Biocontainment Risk Assessment
A nominated individual (the farmer’s own vet wherever possible) will complete a questionnaire with the farmer to establish the risk of Johne’s both entering and spreading on his farm.
2. Latest Surveillance Results
The test results from the herd’s most recent 30 cow screen will be entered into the system.
3. Predicting Prevalence
Using the test results in conjunction with the results of the risk assessment of disease entry and spread, the programme will generate a graph that shows the predicted prevalence of Johne’s on the farm over the next 15 years.
4. Strategy Setting
The farmer and vet should use these outputs to decide on an appropriate strategy to prevent and reduce the incidence of Johne’s on the farm.
5. Summary Report
All of this information will be summarised in a customised report, which will be sent to both the farmer and their veterinary practice; the farmer will also be sent guidance notes to help them interpret the report and they will be encouraged to consult with their vet regarding an applicable control plan.
An example of the report can be seen below.
Great – How can I get involved?
The majority of Myhealthyherd member practices already have access to the Johne’s Module and can therefore get a head start on reviewing the Johne’s prevalence on all of their clients’ farms.
If your practice is not currently a member of myhealthyherd and you would like further information on the Johne’s Initiative, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.