Defra-funded poultry biosecurity visits now available

Poultrykeepers in England can now access funded veterinary biosecurity reviews as part of Defra’s Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, aimed at helping businesses reduce the risk of avian influenza.

The new Poultry Biosecurity Review scheme offers practical, site-specific advice to help farmers strengthen disease prevention measures and protect their flocks from bird flu and other health threats.

Avian influenza remains a significant challenge for the poultry sector, with the 2025-26 avian influenza season seeing 100 confirmed H5N1 cases across the UK, including 79 in England, nine in Scotland, seven in Wales and five in Northern Ireland.

See also: 4 year-round biosecurity focus areas to combat bird flu risk

Scheme details

Under the scheme, eligible poultrykeepers can claim funding for up to three biosecurity reviews at each qualifying site.

Farmers can choose their own vet, arrange visits at a convenient time and claim back the cost through the programme.

During the visit, vets will assess biosecurity risks, identify areas for improvement, provide tailored recommendations and produce a written report for future reference.

Funding of £430 is available per review.

Eligibility

To qualify, keepers must be responsible for the day-to-day care of their birds, hold a Single Business Identifier (SBI) and have a registered County Parish Holding (CPH) in England.

Eligible sites must meet minimum flock size requirements, including:

• 1,000 laying hens, meat chickens or breeder chickens (including pullets)
• 500 ducks
• 500 geese
• 500 turkeys

All funded visits must be completed by 31 December 2028, with claims submitted by 31 March 2029.

Industry approval

The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) welcomed the introduction of the reviews, describing them as the first opportunity for the poultry sector to access government funding through the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway.

“This reflects the importance of maintaining high standards of biosecurity to protect flocks from avian influenza and other disease challenges,” a BEIC statement said.

Defra is also hosting a webinar on 18 June at 11am for poultrykeepers wanting more information about the scheme, with additional information on the scheme available on Gov.uk.