The New York State Cattle Health Assurance Program – NYSCHAP

Bruce L. Akey, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

The New York State Cattle Health Assurance Program (NYSCHAP) is a voluntary quality assurance program that represents a contract between the producer, their private veterinarian and the state veterinarian. It may also include additional support from extension agents, nutritionists and other personnel with the expertise to address specific problems on the farm. The goals of NYSCHAP are to identify key livestock health, consumer, and food safety issues affecting livestock production agriculture and to formulate and implement preventive intervention strategies that will enhance production and product quality.

All participating NYSCHAP farms must first complete the Core Module which focuses on biosecurity and Best Management Practices to improve the overall health status of the herd. The Core Module requires a baseline survey and risk assessment be performed by a NYSCHAP-certified veterinarian, followed by the development of a herd action plan for the coming year and then an annual review of the progress of the herd plan. Depending on the specific problems and goals identified for each individual farm, there are several additional disease specific modules (Johne’s, BVD, Bovine Leukosis, Mastitis) that the producer can choose to implement as well.

The NYSCHAP is a powerful educational tool that producers can use to improve both the overall health status of their herds as well focus on specific diseases to control. NYSCHAP certification provides a certain level of health assurance to consumers of the products of the participating farm.

Akey, Bruce L., New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Division of Animal Industry, 1 Winners Circle, Albany, NY 12235. Phone: 518-457-3502, e-mail: bruce.akey@agmkt.state.ny.us