Proceedings of the 10th International Colloquium on Paratuberculosis

#198
Use <strong>of</strong> small experience groups to enhance knowledge and increase motivation <strong>of</strong> farmers in
<strong>the</strong> process <strong>of</strong> controlling paratuberculosis
Peter Raundal, Lene Trier
Danish Dairy Board, Denmark; Vildbjerg Dyreklinik, Denmark
The organic co-operative dairy Thise Dairy decided in 2008 to eradicate paratuberculosis from <strong>the</strong>ir member
herds. Continued focus on transmission <strong>of</strong> Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) for a period <strong>of</strong>
5-10 years will be needed to achieve eradication.
The objective <strong>of</strong> this project was <strong>the</strong>refore to enhance knowledge and increase motivation <strong>of</strong> farmers in
<strong>the</strong> process <strong>of</strong> controlling paratuberculosis cost-effectively.
The 83 member herds were divided into 8 small experience groups, and a facilitator was associated with
each group. The group meet every 6 month at one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> farms, and <strong>the</strong> owner describes how control <strong>of</strong> MAP
is managed and <strong>the</strong> group give feed back. The role <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> facilitator is to ensure that <strong>the</strong> group discuss <strong>the</strong> different
risk areas and provide advice to <strong>the</strong> owner, and to summarise <strong>the</strong> advice given by <strong>the</strong> group.
The actual management related to factors <strong>of</strong> importance to transmission <strong>of</strong> MAP was recorded by May
2008 through a questionnaire. The results showed that approximately 75% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> farmers did not have management
practices sufficient to control MAP. Subsequently, each group have had two herd visits and <strong>the</strong> farmers
have been intensively involved in providing advice, which should result in reducing <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> herds
with insufficient management practices, which can reduce MAP transmission. The outcomes <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> project so
far are: a) farmers do believe that experience groups are valuable and approximately 2/3 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> farmers participate
in each group session; and b) <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> discussions and advices given have increased since
<strong>the</strong> first meeting. The management practices will be recorded again in September 2008 to determine if <strong>the</strong>
approach has resulted in improved management practices. However, many farmers have already improved
<strong>the</strong>ir practices and appear to be highly motivated for continuing <strong>the</strong> control process.
201