Livestock growers will now be able to access funded vet visits for multiple herds or flocks within the same farming business.
The expansion to the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway will reportedly help farmers gather a greater understanding of livestock health across multiple groups of animals.
Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, said: “Increased disease resilience means healthier animals and greater food security, boosting farmers profits.
“The vet visit roll-out gives eligible farmers access to tailored support to each herd or flock. It is one step in the Government’s plan to protect rural livelihoods, tackle disease and safeguard high welfare standards across our food chain.”
Bryan and Liz Griffiths, livestock farmers in North Devon, said: “We have received government supported vet visits since the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway began. These have allowed us to focus on issues specific to our farm as well as the set program.
“Going forward the new multi-flock and herd option along with the multi-species option will allow funding for a review and follow up for each flock and species on the farm, all through one agreement, which is great.
Keepers of beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep or pigs, can all apply for a vet of their choice to assess all their herds and flocks along with an optional, funded, follow-up assessment. Applications take just 90 seconds and can be applied for here: https://apply-for-an-annual-health-and-welfare-review.defra.gov.uk/apply/endemics/start