All dairy farmers can join the Johne's disease control programme from 1 January 2019, with funding guaranteed in equal parts by the industry and the Department of Agriculture for the next four years, the programme's implementation group agreed on Monday.
The IFA, ICMSA, Animal Health Ireland, milk processors represented by ICOS, vets and the Department of Agriculture agreed to launch a second phase of the programme, which has so far enrolled over 800 herds in its development phase.
The Department of Agriculture will provide national screening through bulk tank testing of all herds.
Participating farms will also receive €2.75 funding for each cow to be tested in the first year.
Support available
If a positive test is confirmed, the herd will continue to receive free testing for the next three years, as well as support including annual veterinary risk assessment and management plans (VRAMPs), and technical advice.
If the test is negative, farmers will continue to conduct tests and receive 75% support (€2.06/cow) in the second year, 50% (€1.38/cow) in the third year and cover the cost themselves in the fourth year. They will also receive veterinary planning assistance for three years.
For farmers who already participated in the programme this year, this will be regarded as their first year.
The Department allocated €600,000 for 2019 and the industry agreed to match the sum, which may rise as more farmers join.
"It's the first time that we achieve this level of commitment from the Department, co-ops represented by ICOS and farm organisations, and pledge funding for a significant length of time," Animal Health Ireland chair Mike Magan told the Irish Farmers Journal.
Voluntary programme
IFA animal health chair Pat Farrell said the programme delivers on the association's key objectives, which included support for farmers who identify the disease on their farms, cost-effective national screening and incentives for farmers to participate in what will be a voluntary programme.
"The programme is based on the recommendations by an independent expert and will serve to future proof the Irish dairy sector against potential marketplace risks," said ICOS dairy chair Jerry Long.
Read more
How to tackle Johne’s Disease effectively
Beef management: staying clear of Johne's disease
Johne's control at farm level
Eight steps to Johne's calf assessment
Top 8 sources of risk for the spread of Johne’s disease
All dairy farmers can join the Johne's disease control programme from 1 January 2019, with funding guaranteed in equal parts by the industry and the Department of Agriculture for the next four years, the programme's implementation group agreed on Monday.
The IFA, ICMSA, Animal Health Ireland, milk processors represented by ICOS, vets and the Department of Agriculture agreed to launch a second phase of the programme, which has so far enrolled over 800 herds in its development phase.
The Department of Agriculture will provide national screening through bulk tank testing of all herds.
Participating farms will also receive €2.75 funding for each cow to be tested in the first year.
Support available
If a positive test is confirmed, the herd will continue to receive free testing for the next three years, as well as support including annual veterinary risk assessment and management plans (VRAMPs), and technical advice.
If the test is negative, farmers will continue to conduct tests and receive 75% support (€2.06/cow) in the second year, 50% (€1.38/cow) in the third year and cover the cost themselves in the fourth year. They will also receive veterinary planning assistance for three years.
For farmers who already participated in the programme this year, this will be regarded as their first year.
The Department allocated €600,000 for 2019 and the industry agreed to match the sum, which may rise as more farmers join.
"It's the first time that we achieve this level of commitment from the Department, co-ops represented by ICOS and farm organisations, and pledge funding for a significant length of time," Animal Health Ireland chair Mike Magan told the Irish Farmers Journal.
Voluntary programme
IFA animal health chair Pat Farrell said the programme delivers on the association's key objectives, which included support for farmers who identify the disease on their farms, cost-effective national screening and incentives for farmers to participate in what will be a voluntary programme.
"The programme is based on the recommendations by an independent expert and will serve to future proof the Irish dairy sector against potential marketplace risks," said ICOS dairy chair Jerry Long.
Read more
How to tackle Johne’s Disease effectively
Beef management: staying clear of Johne's disease
Johne's control at farm level
Eight steps to Johne's calf assessment
Top 8 sources of risk for the spread of Johne’s disease
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