CellCheck is the national mastitis control programme, coordinated and facilitated by Animal Health Ireland.
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.
AHI are pleased to bring “Top 10 Tips for a Stress-free Drying Off Period”, a new booklet designed to educate, support, and advise farmers in making the best decisions around sustainable mastitis control and responsible antimicrobial use.
The booklet contains 10 key tips, as well as a series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). It also includes QR code links to a series of short videos exploring FAQs and demonstrating best practices.
To support the rollout and dissemination of the new booklet, we will host an online webinar on Wednesday, 12th November, at 11 a.m. This will be open to all farmers and service providers.
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.
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
Information on the CellCheck Cell Count Solutions Consult
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.
Animal Health Ireland, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), recently hosted a conference in the Hotel Kilkenny. The aim of this event was 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.
