Johne’s Disease (JD) in Cattle

About JD in cattle

Important information - develop a biosecurity plan

The 12 months Johne's - Biosecurity Assurance Scheme (J-BAS) transition arrangements for NSW beef producers ceases at 30 June 2017. For more information see the AHA press release. AHA has also developed a Frequently Asked Questions which provides answers to common questions farmers may have about J-BAS.

In a separate but related development, Meat and Livestock Australia which operates the Livestock Production Assurance Program (LPA) has announced that commencing 1 October 2017, farmers looking to maintain accreditation will need to include a biosecurity and welfare module. From 1 October, LPA accredited producers will be required to meet biosecurity and animal welfare requirements, and complete a three-yearly assessment in order to be LPA accredited. Under the biosecurity requirements, LPA accredited producers will need to confirm they have a Farm Biosecurity Plan and implement best-practice biosecurity practices in their on-farm management. For more details see the website.

Cattle Council Australia (CCA) is responsible for national beef cattle industry policy. CCA are urging beef producers to develop their farm biosecurity plans by 1 October 2017 when it’ll be a requirement for LPA accreditation. Producers who have already developed an on-farm biosecurity plan as part of their approach to Johne’s disease management are not required to complete another.

Managing Johne’s disease biosecurity risks

The beef and dairy cattle industries have developed strategies for managing Johne’s disease biosecurity risks:

It is strongly recommended that producers buying or agisting stock that is susceptible to infection with Johne’s disease request a National Health Statement such as a National Cattle Health Declaration from the vendor. This allows the purchaser or agister an opportunity to assess if the health status of the stock meets their requirements.

Johne’s disease vaccination in cattle

In NSW, Silirum® Vaccine can only be supplied on the authority of the NSW Chief Veterinary Officer to approved people or their approved veterinarian. To apply for an authority, print and follow the instructions on the Application and authority to use Silirum® vaccine in NSW (DOCX, 108.98 KB).

All animals vaccinated with Silirum® Vaccine MUST be positively identified as Silirum® vaccinated animals by application of a 3 hole punch preferably administered in the right ear. The person administering the vaccine MUST inform the National Livestock Information System (NLIS) database of animals which have been vaccinated.

Getting more advice on Johne’s disease

The beef and dairy cattle industries provide advice on managing endemic diseases such as Johne’s disease. Beef producers can find additional information on the Animal Health Australia website. Dairy producers can contact Dairy Australia.

In NSW, your Local Lands Services provide advice to landholders on endemic diseases.

Further information

Information on the revised management of Johne’s disease in cattle will be provided as it becomes available. Other useful sites include: