Government launches free vet visits for multiple herds on the same farm   

The government explained that the expanded support announced today is part of the wider Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, which promotes continuous improvement in livestock health, welfare, and productivity. 

It provides farmers with a more comprehensive understanding of livestock health on farms with many groups of animals, whether mixed holdings or larger farms with many groups of a single species.   

Since funded vet visits began in 2023, there have been more than 8,000 visits benefiting hundreds of thousands of animals, with over 95% of farmers saying that they have or will take action based on the advice of their vet. 

DEFRA explained that the strong uptake and implementation of the advice supports increased disease resilience, meaning healthier animals and greater food security, which in turn will boost farmers profits.

The application is set to be quick, taking less than 90 seconds to apply and less than three minutes to claim the funding.  

‘Healthier animals and greater food security’

Daniel Zeichner, minister for food security and rural affairs, said that increased disease resilience means healthier animals and greater food security, boosting farmers profits.   

He added: “The vet visit roll-out gives eligible farmers access to tailored support for 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, added: “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.” 

DEFRA confirmed that 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.    

Visits will be able to support monitoring and treatment of diseases, including conditions like Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) in cattle, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in pigs, and worming resistance in sheep.    

Last year, Defra announced funding for follow-up visits to tackle the spread of endemic diseases such as Bovine Viral Diarrhoea, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome or physical health related difficulties which cost the economy more than £170m.  

Apply for the founded vet visits here.

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