Your VRAMP requirements for 2022

The Irish Johne’s Control Programme (IJCP) requires participating herds to complete an annual veterinary risk assessment and management plan (VRAMP).  For dairy herds, this is fully funded under the programme by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The VRAMP is done with your nominated veterinary practitioner for the Johne’s programme.

The exception to this requirement is that herds that have since 2019 completed three years of VRAMPs and three years of herd testing with negative results are not required, nor funded, to do a VRAMP in their fourth year.  2022 sees the first herds to attain that position, of not doing a VRAMP.

The ICBF screen for the Johne’s programme for every participating herd (https://johnes.icbf.com) displays whether a VRAMP is required and funded, or exempted, or already completed.

Research conducted by Animal Health Ireland last year suggests that most farmers find it most convenient, and vets to be most available, to do the VRAMP during the winter housing period.  However, a VRAMP can be done at any time of the year, although it is best done well before calving to allow time to make changes and plan for calving.  Calving is when you can make the most impact on reducing the spread of Johne’s disease.

The advantages to you as herd owner are that you can cost-effectively reduce the likelihood and impacts of Johne’s to your herd.  Read ’10 good reasons’ for being in the Johne’s programme, completing the VRAMP and testing requirements here.

With your veterinary practitioner, you will review the risk factors for Johne’s to your herd, and decide on three actions you can take to reduce the spread of infection into or within your herd.  These actions typically will improve the general health of your calves and cows in regard to other diseases, not just Johne’s disease, so you can expect benefits in animal health, welfare and production.

You will not receive testing assistance from your milk processor if the VRAMP is not done, talk to your vet now to arrange your 2022 VRAMP.