Defra expands free vet visits for livestock farmers

The Animal Health and Welfare Pathway has been expanded, allowing farmers in England to access funded vet visits for multiple herds or flocks under one farming business from today (Thursday 26 June).

The expansion aims to provide farmers with a more comprehensive understanding of livestock health.

Since funded vet visits began in 2023, more than 8,000 visits to farms have taken place.

Defra said the strong uptake and implementation of the advice supports increased disease resilience, meaning healthier animals and greater food security, as well as boosted profits.

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Farming minister Daniel Zeichner said: “The vet visit rollout 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.” 

Keepers of beef and dairy cattle, sheep or pigs, can apply for a vet of their choice to assess their herds and flocks, along with an optional funded follow-up assessment.     

Visits will be able to support monitoring and treatment of diseases, including conditions such as bovine viral diarrhoea in cattle, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome in pigs, and worming resistance in sheep.  

Welcome news

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said it is encouraging to see the government listening and expanding this support, to reflect the realities on farm.

“This is a welcome and practical step that will help more farmers access support to keep their animals healthy and productive,” he said.

Mr Bradshaw added that the ability to include multiple herds or flocks under one review contract will “make a real difference, especially for larger or mixed farms”.

To apply for animal reviews and endemic disease follow-ups, visit the Defra website.