Centenary Thurles has confirmed its participation in the recently launched National Johne’s Monitoring Scheme (NJMS). The NJMS is an ambitious scheme devised and implemented in consultation and collaboration between all members of the Johne’s Disease Implementation Group (JDIG). 

Johne’s Disease is a challenging disease which leads to poor body condition, lower milk production, fertility problems, and earlier culling. It increases costs, reduces herd performance, and creates long-term management issues for farmers. There are also potential reputational challenges associated with it. 

While eradication is necessarily a long-term ambition, effective early identification and structured management can dramatically reduce the impact of the disease at farm level and across supply chains. The NJMS represents a major step forward in delivering this in a practical, targeted and collaborative way. 

Suppliers who have 2 bulk tank milk positive letters from DAFM over 12 months are eligible to apply to join the Scheme. The cost of monitoring will be shared equally between Centenary Thurles and DAFM.