Johne’s Action Group (JAG) Conference 2024

On Tuesday 26th November the NMR Vet team headed over to Sixways Stadium (Worcester Rugby Club) to attend the Action Johne’s Conference 2024. The purpose of the conference was to bring industry stakeholders together to review progress with Johne’s control in the UK and share targets for a new phase in the industry initiative to tackle Johne’s.

At the event there were over 100 delegates with plenty of vets, dairy processors, and farmers in the room, along with AHDB, Dairy UK, NFU and other industry bodies.  

A number of key messages were shared at the event by various Johne’s experts (including our very own Karen Bond).  Key points included:

• 22 dairying nations have active Johne’s control plans.   The industry initiative in the UK is one of the most effective in reducing the prevalence of Johne’s
• Research conducted by the Moredun Institute showed that Johne’s infected cows produce 25% more methane/litre of milk than uninfected cows
• In 2025 the UK industry will be focussing on the Average Test Value (ATV) for the herd. Analysis done by PAN Livestock Services at the University of Reading shows that for every 1 point reduction in ATV we see 110 litres more milk per cow per year.
• In the UK 95% of MAP (Johne’s infection) is probably in less than 10% of herds.
• The industry is setting a National target of achieving an industry average ATV of <5.5 by 2030. Currently approx. 44% of herds meet this target.
• During 2025 all vets providing support and advice on Johne’s will be required to complete additional training on the disease that is being delivered through the BCVA.

The event concluded with presentations from two dairy farmers (both NMR customers) who have made good progress with Johne’s control over recent years. Both commented that achieving progress requires a strong working relationship with the farm vet and huge commitment by all farm staff to following the right protocols to prevent the spread of Johne’s.  Both confirmed that tackling Johne’s is worth the effort and they remain committed to keeping Johne’s at very low levels on farm.

It was encouraging to see such a good turnout of vets at the conference. In the months ahead NMR will be working with its veterinary customers to ensure they are fully aware of NMR's Johne's surveillance services and the reports that are on offer. In addition we would encourage vets who are interested in support with farmer engagement to get in touch via our email vetenquiries@nmrp.com