How is the health of dairy cows monitored?

Ensuring optimal health across the herd is central to the production of high quality milk. This begins with the farmer who takes the primary role in monitoring the health and behaviour of their herd each day. The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) in collaboration with Animal Health Ireland and teagasc provide a range of resources to guide farmers in this area. Parameters that can be used to evaluate health status of cows include condition (e.g. eye brightness, body weight changes, coat and hoof quality); behaviour (healthy cows appear bright, alert and are curious about their environment); and maintenance of normal milk production. The farmer will also regularly check for signs of infection, such as raised body temperature or swelling. The farmer is advised to contact his local vetinary practitioner if any abnormalities are identified. Another indictor of overall herd health is the routine analysis that is performed at the processing plant before the milk can enter the food chain. If any significant abbormalities are detected the milk will be rejected and further investigations must then be carried out on the farm site.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine schedules a TB screening programme, whereby all herds must be tested at least once every 12 months. The schedules are assigned to private veterinary practitioners in phases throughout the year to ensure all herds are tested by an independent expert. These visits and other DAFM inspections provide an additional opportunity to identify indicators of poor herd health.