Building on a global systematic review of the literature on barriers and solutions for Johne’s disease control on-farm, we conducted an empirical study with over 400 farmers and 150 veterinary professionals across the UK. The study used workshops and semi-structured interviews to understand better the challenges dairy farmers and veterinarians face in implementing on-farm Johne’s disease management schemes. The study found that four main challenges are faced in the on-farm control of Johne’s.

(1) Management of farmer expectations around Johne’s disease, with eradication near impossible
(2) Issues regarding space for segregation and the related economics of control
(3) A ‘free-riding’ problem which can be influenced by the voluntary nature of control plans
(4) Challenges in vet-farmer communication, including levels of knowledge

Our findings have relevance for the control of Johne’s disease in the UK and other countries, including for regions with voluntary and compulsory control programmes.

Engaging with both farmers and veterinarians to understand decision-making around the issue of JD control is vital to gather a clear picture on challenges to, and solutions for, better management. Whilst there may be scientific solutions for some of the challenges, most notably addressing the reliability of testing, improving JD control will predominantly need to address social and behavioural aspects of decision-making. Solutions focused on improving vet communication skills, managing farmer expectations, and incentivising farmers to implement on-farm controls are key recommendations to improve the control of JD in dairy cattle, both in the UK and elsewhere.

Published paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167587724001818?via%3Dihub