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Animal Health Ireland

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AHI will not become involved in the direct provision of on-farm animal health services, which will continue to be supplied by existing providers.

Animal Health Ireland provides the knowledge, education and coordination required to establish effective control programmes for non-regulated diseases of livestock. Its remit includes diseases and conditions of livestock which are endemic in Ireland, but which are not currently subject to regulation and coordinated programmes of control. Neither will it sponsor or promote the services provided to livestock farmers by any individual commercial entity. AHI provides benefits to livestock producers and processors by providing the knowledge, education and coordination required to establish effective control programmes for non-regulated diseases of livestock. As an independent, science-driven organisation, AHI operates by the principle that Irish livestock farmers and the associated industry should have access to international best practice in herd health. To ensure that this is the case, advice provided by AHI is, wherever possible, subjected to international peer-review. In this way, the Board and Stakeholders of AHI are enabled to take decisions on the future direction of the Company, armed with the best possible information.

26/10/2026

Are your sheds ready for housing?

A clean, well-prepared shed can make a real difference to cattle health this winter.

Before bringing cattle indoors, take the time to:

- Clean and disinfect sheds, pens and equipment.
- Check ventilation and lighting.
- Make sure water troughs and drinkers are clean and working.
- Check for signs of rodents and secure feed stores.
- Ensure pens, gates and barriers are safe and ready for housing.

A little preparation now can help reduce disease risks and keep your cattle healthier throughout the housing period.

Good biosecurity starts before housing. Check. Prepare. Protect.

View our Pre-Housing Biosecurity Checklist: https://animalhealthireland.ie/farmer-information/pre-housing/

23/10/2026

One week to go. Are you ready for dry-off?

The final week is about getting your cows, and the people helping you, ready for dry-off.

Dr Clare Clabby explains why you should:

- Review cows based on their individual milk yields
- Identify cows that are ready to dry off
- Organise enough capable help for drying-off day

Agree who’s doing what before you start. Good preparation can make the job smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.

Lock disease out and lock success in.

21/10/2026

Thinking of buying cattle this autumn? Don't buy a problem!

Bringing new cattle onto your farm can also bring disease. Taking a few simple precautions before and after purchase can help reduce the risk of pneumonia in your herd.

- Buy healthy, fully weaned cattle with completed vaccination courses.
- Don't assume animals have been vaccinated or treated – always check.
- Keep purchased cattle separate from your herd for at least a week.
- Watch for signs of illness and separate sick animals promptly.

Prevention is better than cure. Stop the cough before it starts!

Find more practical advice on preventing pneumonia this housing season:
https://animalhealthireland.ie/farmer-information/pneumonia/

15/10/2026

Two weeks to dry-off. It’s time to turn your herd information into a plan.

By now, you should be building a clear picture of your cows and your herd:

✓ Individual cow SCC data
✓ The main pathogen causing problems on your farm
✓ Antimicrobial susceptibility information

Discuss this information with your vet to determine the appropriate antimicrobial product for your cows and place your order. Don’t forget your internal teat sealants.

It’s also time to prepare housing. Cubicles should be cleaned, disinfected and dried before cows are dried off.

2 weeks to go. Lock disease out. Lock success in.

15/10/2026

A new approach to Johne’s disease control is here!

The new Irish Johne’s Control Programme (IJCP) is now open to dairy and beef farmers across Ireland.

Working with your vet, the programme helps you understand Johne’s disease risk in your herd, make informed management decisions and take practical steps to protect herd health.

Watch our launch video to find out how the new programme can support you and your herd.

Find out more at www.johnes.ie

12/10/2026

Vaccinating cattle ahead of housing? Make sure you're getting the most from your vaccine!

Vaccination is an important part of preventing pneumonia, but getting the basics right makes all the difference.

- Finish the primary course – check how many doses are needed and the interval between them.
- Read the label – follow the correct dosage, administration and mixing instructions.
- Store vaccines correctly – check storage temperatures and how long the vaccine can be used after opening.

Remember, vaccination is just one part of a good pneumonia prevention plan.

Stop the Cough before it starts!

Find out how to protect your cattle from pneumonia this housing season:
https://animalhealthireland.ie/farmer-information/pneumonia/

08/10/2026

Are your cows’ teats ready for dry-off?

The teat canal is one of the cow’s most important natural defences against mastitis — so teat-end condition matters.

With 3 weeks to go, Frank O’Sullivan of Patrick Farrelly & Partners explains why now is the time to:

- Teat score your herd
- Get all your drying-off materials together

Don’t leave preparation until drying-off day.

Lock disease out and lock success in.

01/10/2026

Do you know which bacteria are causing mastitis problems in your herd?

With 4 weeks to dry-off, now is the time to find out.

Alan Johnson from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine explains why you should:

- Take aseptic milk samples and send them to the lab

- Clip dirty tails and, where needed, udder hair

Know what you’re dealing with before making decisions at dry-off.

Lock disease out and lock success in.

29/09/2026

Getting your weanlings ready for autumn?

Join us at Corrin Mart tomorrow evening for practical advice on breeding, nutrition and animal health, plus live cattle demonstrations.

AHI’s Michelle McGrath will be speaking alongside Michael Bourke (Teagasc) Ger Ryan (Dovea Genetics) and Tommy Moyles (Irish Farmers Journal). The evening will also cover CBV and CAP reform.

📍 Corrin Mart, Fermoy, Co. Cork (P61 E3Y7)
📅 Wednesday 30 September
⏰ 7pm

All are welcome. We hope to see you there!

28/09/2026

When a farm family is faced with serious injury or sudden loss, knowing where to turn for support can make a real difference.

That’s why Animal Health Ireland is proud to partner with Embrace FARM, a non-profit organisation providing practical and emotional support to farm families and agricultural communities across Ireland.

We recently welcomed Catherine Kenneally from Embrace FARM to meet the AHI team and tell us more about the families they support and the work they do.

Over the coming months, we’ll be helping to raise awareness of these supports, as well as fundraising for Embrace FARM.

Could you, or a farm family you know, benefit from support?

Find out more at www.embracefarm.com
📞 085 770 9966
✉️ [email protected]

You can also support Embrace FARM through our iDonate fundraising page. https://www.idonate.ie/donate/fundraiser/animalhealthireland

📸 : Brian Duignan

Address

2/5, The Archways, Co Leitrim
Carrick On Shannon

Telephone

0716971928

Website

http://www.animalhealthireland.ie/

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