Ríona is originally from outside Tralee, Co. Kerry and is now based in Carrignavar, Co. Cork. Ríona is a member of the IBR, BVD and Johne’s disease TWGs.



Ríona holds a degree in Veterinary Medicine (MVB), a Master’s degree (in prion biology) and a B.Sc. (Hons). She is currently completing a PhD in the area of biosecurity and non-statutory diseases at the University of Limerick. Her current research interests include BVD, IBR, Johne’s disease, and the application of veterinary diagnostic techniques to dairy herds. In 2011, she expanded her range of veterinary techniques by completing a certificate in equine dentistry with the Australian Equine Dental Practice. Ríona has previously worked with the Enfer Group in veterinary diagnostics and was one of the joint developers of the world’s first rapid BSE test; the Enfer TSE Assay. Following qualification as a vet and after a short period in practice, Ríona joined Teagasc Moorepark as a research officer in the area of herd health, a role to which she returned to in 2011 having spent some time as CEO of Independent Milk Laboratories.



Riona says that she “supports AHI in its initiatives as I believe the establishment of AHI to be one of the most significant recent developments in Irish veterinary herd health. Its contribution to the Irish agriculture industry has and will be invaluable in terms of standardisation of information and co-ordination of herd health stakeholders in achieving a higher health status for the national herd”.

Research Officer Animal Health, Teagasc