Dairy farmers claiming BPS (Basic Payment Scheme) payments in England can now receive funding for a vet visit to carry out an annual health and welfare review as part of the Sustainable Farming Incentive's (SFI) Animal Health and Welfare Pathway rollout. 

Vets will carry out diagnostic testing, review biosecurity and responsible use of medicines, and give advice on their animals' health and welfare.  

The Animal Health and Welfare Pathway will also include a disease eradication and control programme offering farmers financial support to prevent and reduce endemic diseases affecting livestock, such as veterinary advice, vaccination or improvements to on-farm management.  

Dairy farmers with multiple species can only register for one review currently. It is hoped this will be expanded in the future once the review is rolled out fully.   

Commenting on the news, RABDF Chairman Di Wastenage said: "The Animal Health and Welfare Review will provide the opportunity to take the already high health and welfare status of our national herd to the next level.  

"The bespoke reports farmers receive after their initial vet visit will set the foundations on which farmers and their vets can build to improve the health of their livestock.  

"A higher health national flock or herd will have a reduced need for veterinary medicines, particularly antibiotics. This means stock will be more efficient, reducing the effect on the environment. It will also underpin our international reputation for high health and welfare, which will help bolster our export opportunities. 

"We hope farmers take up this opportunity for free independent advice from a vet or team of their choice to improve the health and welfare of their herd," she said.  

The payment rates, which include the cost of the vet's time and the diagnostic testing, have been agreed at £372 for dairy cattle.  

Farmers must register their interest at   https://apply-for-an-annual-health-and-welfare-review.defra.gov.uk/apply/register-your-interest before they can apply for a review. 

For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sfi-annual-health-and-welfare-review  

About RABDF 

RABDF is the sole UK charity focussed on the unique needs of milk producers. They are the only dairy organisation holding a Royal Warrant, with the influence and access to funding that brings.