Herd health programme to prepare for biosecurity challenges launched

A NEW herd health programme aimed at preparing Irish dairy farmers for the biosecurity challenges of herd expansion has started at the Teagasc Dairy Production Research Centre, Moorepark.

Two research projects, one focusing on mastitis and milk quality issues, and the other on infectious diseases, have commenced, led by John Mee and colleagues. Two veterinarians have been employed to work on these projects.

Farmers in Ireland are losing financially through penalties imposed due to various milk quality issues.