The UK Environment Secretary sets out animal health and welfare support for livestock farmers

Farmers will be encouraged to keep healthier, higher welfare animals as part of the Government’s flagship farming reforms, including fully-funded annual vet visits and grants to improve conditions for livestock.

During his speech at the National Farmers Union conference, the Environment Secretary George Eustice outlined his vision for internationally competitive livestock sectors. He set out plans for the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway – a program of financial support for farmers in the pig, cattle, sheep, and poultry sectors, based around key animal health and welfare priorities.

These include measures such as:

• reducing mastitis and lameness in dairy cattle,
• improving biosecurity  to control pig diseases endemic to the UK and
• improving the feather cover of laying hens

As part of the Pathway, the Government will initially offer cattle, sheep and pig farmers who are eligible for the Basic Payment Scheme funding for an annual visit from a vet of their choice to carry out diagnostic testing, review biosecurity, and responsible use of medicines, and provide advice relating to the health and welfare of their animals.

The Animal Health and Welfare Pathway will also include a disease eradication and control program. This will allow farmers to apply for financial support to enable them to take measures to prevent and reduce endemic diseases affecting livestock such as:

• veterinary advice,
• vaccination, or
• improvements to on-farm management