AFBI Showcases Advances in Animal Health at the AFBI Dairy Innovation 2018 Event

Visitors to the AFBI Dairy Innovation 2018 event that is taking place on 6th June 2018 at Hillsborough will learn how AFBI’s scientific work in animal health is supporting the local dairy industry.

Specialist diagnostic services and research programmes at AFBI’s Veterinary Sciences Division play a vital part in promoting the animal health and welfare of farm animals and directly link to increasing financial returns through improved performance.

Dr Stanley McDowell, Director of Veterinary Sciences Division, said “AFBI’s Veterinary Sciences Division has long been recognised as a centre of excellence for animal health through the diagnostic, advisory, emergency response capability and research programmes that we deliver. At the Dairy Innovation 2018 event we will showcase how the advanced scientific work that AFBI conducts is delivering significant and tangible benefits for animal health across Northern Ireland.”

The event will also showcase the work of AFBI in partnership with farmers and vets to diagnose and reduce farm animal deaths and our work to promote preventive health programmes such as the AFBI Cattle Health Scheme, which covers a number of endemic diseases including BVD, IBR, Leptospirosis, Neosporosis and Johne’s Disease.

Visitors will also hear about how AFBI’s scientific expertise is looking at the interface between management and disease and in particular the role of colostrum management and calf rearing practices in reducing calf deaths in the important early neonatal period.

Key aspects of AFBI’s analytical and R&D work on bovine TB will also be highlighted. Dr McDowell commented “Bovine TB is widely recognised as the most complex and costly endemic disease currently facing the government, veterinary profession and farming industry in Northern Ireland. AFBI plays a central function in providing accredited laboratory testing in support DAERA’s statutory control programme and conducts international recognised research on bTB diagnostics, molecular (“strain”) typing, host genetics and the epidemiology of the disease to provide new knowledge and evidence to support the long term goal of disease eradication.”

In the interests of biosecurity those attending are asked to wear clean clothing not previously worn while in direct contact with their own animals. Outdoor workboots should not be worn. Protective overalls and footwear will be provided. 

Notes to editors: 

Visitors to the AFBI Dairy Innovation 2018 event that is taking place on 6th June 2018 at Hillsborough will learn how AFBI’s scientific advances in animal health are supporting the local dairy industry.

AFBI carries out high quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DAERA and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies.

AFBI's Vision “Advancing the Local and Global Agri-Food Sectors Through Scientific Excellence”.

All media enquiries to AFBI Press Office

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