The New York State Cattle Health Assurance Program is an integrated disease prevention program that utilizes a team of advisors to develop a farm-specific herd health plan. The objectives of this plan are to

• Increase the herd's health, productivity and profitability, 
• Assure food safety, public health and consumer confidence in dairy products,
• Promote environmental stewardship.
  

The NYSCHAP farm team is comprised of the NYSCHAP herd planner (NYS Field Veterinarian or certified NYSCHAP Veterinarian), the producer, the herd veterinarian, key farm employees and other consultants used on the farm. Baseline information is collected and a walk-through risk assessment is completed. Intervention strategies are negotiated within the goals and resources of the farm operation and are the basis for the herd plan. The herd veterinarian will work with the producer over the next year to ensure progress is made with the herd plan.

Key points:

• NYSCHAP is a sponsored program of the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
• There is no enrollment fee for participation.
• Herd veterinarians are compensated for their time in the planning process by the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.
• Herd plans are herd specific and will be created within the goals and resources of the farm operation. Some plans will incorporate just changes in management practices while other plans may include disease testing or construction of facilities.
• All farms enroll in the core module which looks at basic biosecurity and best management practices that cross all management areas and disease issues. Further, farms can enroll in specific disease modules, such as Johne’s disease.
• Contact your herd veterinarian or regional NYS veterinarian to enroll in NYSCHAP.