Last month, we published a post about a consultation on proposed measures to improve livestock health and welfare in England. 

This is a reminder that the consultation will close on 18 May at 23:59. If you have not yet responded, we encourage you to share your views before the deadline. 

We’d like to hear your views on the following proposals: 

• a mandatory annual Animal Health and Welfare Review (a vet visit) for cattle, sheep and pigs  

• a mandatory annual flock health plan for sheep  

• an eradication programme for Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) in cattle  

• a control and eradication programme for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in pigs  

If you farm cattle, sheep or pigs, or work in the wider livestock sector, these proposals could affect how you manage animal health, disease control and work with your vet in the years ahead.  

Your feedback will help us develop these measures and shape how they will work in practice. 

We read all comments on blog posts, but they are not counted as part of the consultation. 

To share your views, use the Defra Citizen Space consultation hub.  

If you cannot use Citizen Space, download the consultation documents at the bottom of the consultation page and send your response by email to AHWP-Mandatory@defra.gov.uk or by post to:  

Universal Participation Team 
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
Seacole Building, 2nd Floor 
2 Marsham Street 
London 
SW1P 4DF 

This consultation applies to farmers in England only. 

Watch the webinar 

Last month, we hosted a one-hour webinar for anyone interested in responding to the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway mandatory proposals consultation. 

The session explained what the consultation is asking, the types of evidence that are most helpful, and how to shape your response so it reflects your experience. 

Watch the webinar.