Johne's Disease Working Group minutes: September 2024

Attendees and apologies

• Scottish Government officials
• James Hutton Institute
• Moredun
• British Veterinary Association
• Scotland's Rural College
• Scottish Dairy Cattle Association
• Action Johne's
• Orkney Livestock Association
• National Farmer's Union Scotland
• Biobest
• Synergy Farm Health
• vet practices
• farmers

Items and actions

This meeting was the first meeting of the Johne's Disease Working Group, participants were thanked for joining the group. The purpose of the group will be as a forum for high level, open and positive discussion, working constructively with other organisations and groups. Terms of reference will be based on the main priorities determined by the group. 

Scottish Government (SG) background on working group and government role

Currently, SG have an adivsory role in relation to Johne's Disease (JD) and there is no legislation. A Johne's Disease National Programme pilot was explored but it was decided more industry input was necessary and as such this group was created tol decide the approach to JD. If any legislation was relevant to be taken forward it would be subject to public consultation and ministerial process. 

Existing Johne's Disease Work 

• Action Johne's: Aims to manage and reduce instances of JD through a framework and management strategy with the introduction of the National Johne's Management Plan in 2016 and is currently in phase three
• Scotland's Rural College (SRUC): Vet practices submit samples to a diagnostic database and a separate database for clients signed up to the health scheme, undertaking annual testing
• Biobest: Functions similarly to SRUC, operating as a lab for private vets
• Moredun Institute: Focused on research/development of diagnostic vaccines and improving the sensitivity of the JD tests. SG fund a programme to focus on transmission routes of JD, mainly in sheep and goats with cattle also on the premises

Tools, test and management techniques

The PCR detects the Mycobactierum avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) agent, is highly specific (little false positives) but poorly sensitive (lots of false negatives).

Blood and milk testing can show the JD infection is present in the animal, predicting if the animal is likely to be infectious. Poor sensitivity is also a feature for this testing, with a risk of false positives. 

Aims of the group, priorities and terms of reference

A discussion was hand on the aims of the group and the following were decided: 

• Johne's disease language can be confusing, more consistent messaging is required for better understanding from farmers
• improving communication with farmers to improve the disease situation
• relaying success stories
• promoting what's avaiable already and what can be done on farm currently