More than two dozen Manitoba dairy producers have already taken advantage of government funding and assistance is still available to help producers with the cost of assessing their herds for Johne’s disease, federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Stan Struthers announced.
“Manitoba dairy producers play a vital role for communities across Manitoba,” said Minister Ritz. “This assistance will help producers reduce or eliminate identified risks and improve the overall health of their herd, strengthening their businesses for the future.”
Johne’s disease (pronounced ‘yo-knees’) is a contagious, chronic and sometimes fatal infection that primarily affects the small intestine of ruminants. Through the federal-provincial Growing Forward Food Safety Suite, dairy producers can access up to $500 to help pay veterinary fees arising from the inspection and assessment of their dairy herd.
“This program reinforces the vital link between producers and veterinarians because, as with any disease, the most important factors are surveillance, early detection and response,” said Minister Struthers. “Encouraging more contact with veterinarians enhances producers’ knowledge and helps them implement the Certified Quality Milk (CQM) standards on their farms that maintain consumer confidence in the quality products our dairy farmers produce.”
Farmers may choose the veterinarian consultant they prefer. The consultant must have received training in the risk assessment program and reporting requirements through the Manitoba Veterinary Medicine Association. The consultations can help producers expand their knowledge about:
On-farm Food Safety:
• using proper treatment protocols for specific diseases,
• following label and prescriptions including withdrawal times, and
• monitoring animal health effectively.
Bio-security:
• reducing herd exposure to disease with a focus on Johne’s disease,
• improving herd health and immunity to disease, and
• improving risk management of animal diseases.
Traceability:
• improving identification of animals on farms,
• developing mechanisms to record livestock movements, and
• identifying and registering livestock premises with Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
The Dairy Steering Committee, established by the Growing Forward Food Safety Program, recommended this program. The committee supports food safety, biosecurity and/or traceability programs by recommending actions and programs that increase the use of food safety programs in the dairy industry as it competes in world markets.
Information on the Johne’s Disease Risk Assessment program is available from members of the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association and Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives GO offices.
