Animal Health Ireland

Animal Health Ireland 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.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at our 2026 CalfCare events over the past week.It was fantastic to see such s...
12/06/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at our 2026 CalfCare events over the past week.

It was fantastic to see such strong attendance at all three events as farmers, advisors and industry representatives came together to share knowledge, experiences and practical solutions for successful calf rearing.

A special thank you to our host farmers who generously opened their farms and shared their expertise:
📍 Francis Bellew, Monasterboice, Co. Louth
📍 Caroline & Kieran Henry, Toberscarden, Co. Sligo
📍 Simon & Peter Byrne, Castledermot, Co. Kildare

This year's theme, Summer Sets the Standard, focused on the importance of maintaining high standards of calf management throughout the grazing season. The discussions, demonstrations and conversations across the three evenings highlighted the value of learning from one another and seeing best practice in action on commercial farms.

Thank you also to our event partners and sponsors, the Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Programme and Feed for Growth, along with the dairy co-ops and meat processors who supported the events in each region.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended. The willingness of farmers to engage, ask questions, share experiences and adopt new ideas continues to drive improvements in calf health, welfare and performance across the sector.

We hope you found the events informative, practical and worthwhile, and we look forward to seeing you again at future Animal Health Ireland events.

Our final CalfCare event of the week takes place tonight in conjunction with the Teagasc DairyBeef500 Programme and Feed...
11/06/2026

Our final CalfCare event of the week takes place tonight in conjunction with the Teagasc DairyBeef500 Programme and Feed for Growth!

Join us on the farm of Simon & Peter Byrne, Castledermot, Athy, Co. Kildare (R14 R763) from 7pm for an evening focused on best practice calf rearing and maintaining strong calf performance throughout the grazing season.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear practical advice from industry experts, see successful calf rearing systems in action and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing calf rearers today. Whether you're an experienced rearer or just getting started, there will be something for everyone.

All events are free to attend, no registration required and refreshments will be served afterwards.

We look forward to seeing you there!

CalfCare is heading west this evening in conjunction with AHI, the Teagasc  DairyBeef500 Programme and Feed for Growth.J...
10/06/2026

CalfCare is heading west this evening in conjunction with AHI, the Teagasc DairyBeef500 Programme and Feed for Growth.

Join us on the farm of Caroline and Kieran Henry in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo (F91 X3C4) from 7pm for another evening of practical discussions around calf rearing and performance.

From calf health and nutrition to management practices that deliver results, you'll hear practical tips and advice that can make a real difference on your farm. It's also a great opportunity to meet other farmers, exchange ideas and make the most of the summer evenings!

All events are free to attend, no registration required and refreshments will be served afterwards.

We look forward to welcoming you to Sligo!

Our summer CalfCare events kick off tomorrow evening in conjunction with the Teagasc DairyBeef500 Programme and Feed for...
08/06/2026

Our summer CalfCare events kick off tomorrow evening in conjunction with the Teagasc DairyBeef500 Programme and Feed for Growth!

Join us on the farm of Francis Bellew, Monasterboice, Drogheda, Co. Louth (A92 NR52) from 7pm for an evening focused on calf rearing best practice and supporting strong calf performance throughout the grazing season.

Whether you're rearing dairy-beef calves or replacement heifers, these events offer practical, on-farm advice that can improve calf health, save you time and support stronger performance throughout the summer months. Meet fellow farmers, hear from industry experts and see what's working on the ground as part of this year's theme, Summer Sets the Standard.

All events are free to attend, no registration required and refreshments will be served afterwards.

We look forward to seeing you there!

This week, Animal Health Ireland held its 17th Annual General Meeting.For 17 years, our mission has remained the same: i...
05/06/2026

This week, Animal Health Ireland held its 17th Annual General Meeting.

For 17 years, our mission has remained the same: improving the health and welfare of livestock across Ireland while supporting farm families, veterinarians and the wider agri-food sector.

We're proud of what has been achieved through collaboration and evidence-based programmes, helping to deliver healthier animals and more sustainable, profitable farms.

A sincere thank you to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, our stakeholders, and the farmers and vets who work alongside us every day.

Together, we're building a healthier future for Irish agriculture.

02/06/2026

One week to go until our summer CalfCare series of events kicks off!

Join us in Louth, Sligo and Kildare for top calf rearing advice. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to calf rearing, these events are packed with tips & tools to boost your herd’s health and performance. Don’t miss out!

29/05/2026

Ireland is closer than ever to achieving BVD freedom

Speaking recently at the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food, Dr Maria Guelbenzu, BVD Programme Manager at Animal Health Ireland, highlighted the key measures within the BVD Control Programme for herds with positive results.

The progress made over recent years is a testament to the commitment of farmers, vets and the wider industry. The focus for 2026 will continue to centre on strong biosecurity, vaccination, forward tracing and early action to help finally eradicate BVD in Ireland.

We’re now within touching distance of BVD freedom — and by continuing to work together, we can finish the job.

22/05/2026

Our CalfCare events are back this June!

This year’s theme, Summer Sets the Standard, focuses on best practice across calf rearing systems and supporting strong calf performance throughout the grazing season.

Join host farm families, the Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Programme, Volac Milk Replacers Ireland Ltd (Feed for Growth) and the meat processors and dairy co-ops in each region at on-farm events this June.

Events begin at 7pm each evening.

Important BVD Meeting – Tuesday 26th MayFarmers, vets and everyone involved in the industry are being encouraged to atte...
18/05/2026

Important BVD Meeting – Tuesday 26th May

Farmers, vets and everyone involved in the industry are being encouraged to attend a major all-island BVD meeting in the Tommy Makem Centre, Keady at 8pm.

AHI and AHWNI are coming together to discuss the latest BVD situation across Ireland and Northern Ireland, especially in areas where cases remain higher, including Armagh, Fermanagh and Monaghan.

Big progress has been made towards wiping out BVD, but there’s still work to do, and it’ll take everyone pulling together to get over the line.

There’ll be updates from vets and farm representatives, plus a chance for farmers to ask questions and join the discussion.

📍 Tommy Makem Centre, Keady
đź“… Tuesday 26th May
⏰ 8pm

All welcome

On the cusp of BVD freedom.Speaking before the Joint Oireachtas Agriculture Committee, AHI CEO Patrick Donohoe and BVD P...
07/05/2026

On the cusp of BVD freedom.

Speaking before the Joint Oireachtas Agriculture Committee, AHI CEO Patrick Donohoe and BVD Programme Manager Dr Maria Guelbenzu highlighted the extraordinary progress made through the national BVD programme.

"Ireland has reduced BVD by more than 97% since the programme began, a huge achievement driven by farmers, vets, industry and Government working together.

We are truly on the cusp of BVD freedom.”

Thank you to every farmer who has diligently tagged and tested calves year after year. The progress made so far shows what collective effort can achieve.

The programme has delivered, it is delivering, and with continued collaboration, we can finish the job together.

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

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