October 2026 – Take Control of Johne’s Disease with the New IJCP

Now, a new Irish Johne’s Control Programme (IJCP) from Animal Health Ireland (AHI) is giving beef and dairy farmers clearer information, practical veterinary support and a way to track their progress in controlling the disease. The new IJCP has been developed by leading scientific and veterinary experts on the JD Technical Working Group (TWG) chaired by Prof Conor McAloon of UCD.

Johne’s disease is a chronic condition that can reduce milk production, affect fertility and lead to premature culling. The disease often spreads silently through a herd, making early identification and effective management essential.

The disease is estimated to cost the Irish dairy industry between €11.24 million and €23.85 million annually, largely through reduced milk yield, premature culling and lower cull values.

While there is no cure, farmers can take practical steps to control Johne’s Disease and reduce its impact on their herds.

What’s new under the IJCP?

The new programme helps farmers and their vets better understand the disease status of their herds, identify animals of concern and make informed management decisions.

Three key reporting tools will help farmers take greater control:

• Herd-Level Report: Gives farmers an overall picture of Johne’s Disease in their herd, bringing together information collected over time.
• Individual Animal Report: Highlights cows and bulls of concern, helping farmers and their vets make decisions around testing, management and culling.
• Johne’s Progression Report: Allows farmers to track their herd’s progress over time and measure improvements against their own targets.

Together, these reports give farmers a clearer understanding of where their herd stands and what steps they can take to improve its Johne’s Disease status.

Veterinary support to guide the way

Farmers who are eligible to join the new IJCP will also have access to free veterinary support through the Targeted Advisory Service on Animal Health (TASAH).

Working with their vet, farmers can use their herd information to identify risks, develop practical control measures and plan their next steps.

Controlling Johne’s Disease takes time, but with the right information, veterinary advice and a clear plan, farmers can make steady progress towards healthier, more productive herds.

Take the next step: Learn more about the new Irish Johne’s Control Programme today!

Find out more here

Register for the Irish Johne’s Control Programme Today