STRICT deadlines have been set to accelerate the UK's management of Johne's disease on dairy farms.

The deadline was set by Action Johne's Steering Group, which includes Dairy UK, NFU, AHDB and BCVA, all of whom want to have 95% of the dairy supply in Great Britain brought into the National Johne’s Management Plan by December 2019.

Earlier this year, when phase two of the action plan was introduced, it was agreed that a formal veterinary declaration needs to be signed by the farmer and his/her vet to state that an assessment of Johne's risk and status has been undertaken on each 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.

This must now be actioned by October 2018, with all farmers supplying purchaser members of the scheme completing the declaration. From November 2019, the level of engagement achieved by purchaser members will be made publicly available on the Action Johne’s website.

Chair of the Action Group, Lyndon Edwards, said: “With over 620 vets accredited by the BCVA as trained in Johne’s veterinary advice, and over 82% of the GB milk supply pool already within the Action Johne’s initiative, the time is right to set the deadlines for compliance."

He said that he had seen "great steps" being taking in awareness of the plan, and added: "We look forward to the continuing engagement and support of the industry. The NJMP plan will help reduce the prevalence on Johne's on farm to provide future sustainability for the producers and the whole supply chain, and also provide opportunities for future trade in an increasingly competitive market.”