CellCheck
CellCheck is the national mastitis control programme, coordinated and facilitated by Animal Health Ireland.
Finola McCoy
Senior Programme Manager CellCheck
Finola graduated from University College Dublin in 1997 with a degree in veterinary medicine. She spent the following 11 years working in various mixed practices in Ireland, UK and New Zealand, and during this time developed a keen interest in the dairy industry. Working with large dairy herds in New Zealand provided an invaluable insight into some of the challenges associated with herd expansion and disease control. While working in practice she undertook a Masters in Science in Livestock Health and Production through the University of London, which she completed in 2006.
Finola joined the Teagasc research team in Moorepark in 2008, as the mastitis research officer. She Co-ordinated and managed a pilot study evaluating a team-based approach to mastitis control, as well as collaborating on other research projects. She has a keen interest and experience in international models of mastitis control. While working for Teagasc she commenced working as Programme Manager for CellCheck and jointed the AHI staff in May 2013 to continue working in that role.
Finola was awarded a 2014 Nuffield Scholarship, to explore the topic of building strong professional teams and networks among rural service providers.
Michelle McGrath
Assistant CellCheck Programme Manager
Michelle grew up on a dairy farm in East Cork and has been directly involved in farming from a young age which led her to complete a Degree in Agricultural Science at UCD in 1999. Following on from this she completed a Master’s Degree in Bovine Reproduction with Teagasc at Moorepark Research Centre in 2001. After a brief spell in industry she returned to UCD to complete a Degree in Veterinary Medicine in 2008.
For the past 12 years she has worked predominantly in mixed practice in Ireland where she further enhanced her interest in herd health on dairy farms. She particularly enjoyed working with the farmers to effectively manage infectious diseases in their herds through improved diagnostics, education and targeted therapies. Michelle is heavily involved in showing and breeding Holstein Friesian cattle at club and national level and uses this opportunity to promote animal health and welfare.
Furthering her interest in the Agricultural and Food industries, she is currently undertaking a Diploma in Food Production at UCC.
CellCheck Conference - 'Drying Off in a New Era'
Animal Health Ireland, supported by DAFM, are delighted to announce that we will be hosting a conference on Wednesday, 11th September, 2024 from 10am to 4pm in Hotel Kilkenny. The aim of this event is to equip Service Providers with the correct information and means to influence clients in the move away from blanket dry cow therapy. Click on the image below for more information.
CellCheck Dry Cow Strategy
Find out more about the CellCheck Dry-Cow Strategy and how to avail of the Free Dry Cow Consult.
View CellCheck Dry Cow Strategy
Information on the CellCheck Dry-Cow Consult
Service Provider Portal
The link below to AHI’s Service Provider Portal is for use by trained Veterinary Practitioners, in the context of all TASAH-funded activities including BVD, Irish Johne’s Control Programme, CellCheck, Parasite Control, Pig HealthCheck, Poultry and IBR.
Farm Summary Report
Herd milk recording reports now see the inclusion of the CellCheck Farm Summary Report, which was developed by ICBF and members of the CellCheck Technical Working Group. The report provides the farmer with a clear overview of how the herd is performing in relation to mastitis control. It shows if a herd is on, above, or below target, highlights areas of excellence, and directs the farmer towards areas that may require attention.
