The NFU26 conference towards the end of February was a significant moment for the agricultural industry in England. It gave some interesting insights into a new vision from Defra to improve key things like productivity, animal health, and economic growth. There were some notable announcements, such as details of grants, the sustainable farming incentive (SFI), and updates to the Farming Roadmap. Crucially though, they announced a consultation period to look at how to improve health and welfare for farm animals.

Goals

The 12 week consultation is inviting various stakeholders to give feedback on new plans. The aim is to get views on proposals, how to develop them, exemptions, enforcement, and even insights into the potential impact on the farming community at large. As a result, Defra is inviting people to share their views. Anyone can comment, but they specifically want to hear from main stakeholders such as farmers in England, vets, farming organisations, academics, and businesses that serve the agricultural industry.

Ultimately, the idea is to develop the proposals to deliver the best results for all parties. Crucially, they want to enhance livestock health and welfare, improve disease control and bio-security, and set the industry up for a better future.

Key proposals

There are four noteworthy animal health proposals in the consultation. Let’s have a quick look at them so you can see why it is so important that people give feedback.

Firstly, Defra is proposing that yearly vet visits become mandatory for farms in England. Currently they are voluntary and there is no obligation to do them. Making it a legal requirement could be very positive for livestock health and bio-security. It could also help to address issues like wormer and antibiotic resistance.

Next, there is a proposal to make it mandatory for sheep farmers to develop an annual flock health plan with a vet. This would help to target key things like parasite control to improve herd performance and wormer use.

Thirdly, there are plans to introduce a mandatory programme to tackle Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD). It is a massive risk to animal health, harming reproductive performance and growth. There are already regional programmes in place, including one in Scotland that has been very effective at reducing exposure. As a result, the proposal is to introduce one for the whole of England. It would require mandatory testing, reporting, and treatment.

Finally, Defra is exploring a proposal to begin a 12 year programme to eradicate Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). It is one of the biggest risks to pig farmers. So, the plan is to introduce a long term strategy to require more regular testing and vaccination reports. It could also include strict measures such as movement restrictions.

What happens next?

The consultation is open now, allowing people to submit their views until 18th May. If you want to learn more or comment, have a look here. It will then be interesting to see how the proposals take shape.

Talk to us about animal health

The health and welfare of livestock is something every farmer should think carefully about. We’re happy to do our bit to help, supplying quality products like feeds and wormer. Most importantly, if you work with us we’ll give you clear advice and recommendations. Clients love working with us because we go above and beyond to provide support.

So, speak to JS Hubbuck Ltd today about animal health. We’re a friendly, family-run company.