Benefits of obtaining test-negative Level 4 classification for beef producers in the Voluntary Bovine Johne's Disease Control Program.
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abstract
The US Voluntary Bovine Johne's Disease Control Program (VBJDCP) stipulates the national standards for Johne's disease (JD) control, and herds classified as test-negative at Level 4 of the VBJDCP have the greatest likelihood of being non-infected. A questionnaire survey of owners of VBJDCP test-negative Level 4 beef herds was conducted to describe perceived benefits of attaining Level 4 status. Thirty-nine of the 40 producers returned completed or partially completed surveys. Sixty-four percent (23/36) of herds contained 50 or less test eligible cattle. Twenty-seven percent (10/37) of producers reported increased marketing opportunities as a goal for enrollment in the VBJDCP. Classification at test-negative Level 4 status in the VBJDCP led to increased marketing opportunities for more than one-third (13/35) of the producers. Twenty-five percent (9/36) of the producers reported significant and 39% (14/36) marginal benefits (financial and non-financial) as a result of participation in the VBJDCP. The median (range) reported annual benefit was $0 ($0, $10,000), whilst the median (range) annual cost of implementing and sustaining the VBJDCP on ranches was $200 ($0, $5000). It is suggested that greater publicity about the VBJDCP in the beef cattle industry will increase its chances of success by increasing awareness amongst producers concerned about herd health/disease monitoring, and through improved marketing opportunities.
