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NOAH launches vision for animal health and welfare
NOAH's ambition for the development of a new chapter in UK agriculture policy

Paper presented at One Health conference in London

At its ‘One Health’ conference in London, the National Office for Animal Health (NOAH) has set out the association’s ambition for the development of a new chapter in UK agriculture policy.

By providing vision and a framework, it identifies what needs to be done to improve the health and welfare of UK livestock and how it can be delivered – placing animal health at its heart to deliver key benefits for all.

Vision for UK Animal Health and Welfare – Agriculture Policy that’s fit for the future puts forward recommendations that include:

  • animal health – tackling endemic disease
  • help for farm infrastructure and equipment
  • investing in farm staff
Presenting the paper, NOAH chair, Jamie Brannan, said: “We believe that taking an animal health perspective delivers benefits in terms of welfare, productivity, sustainability and resilience of farms – all helping farmers to prepare for changes in trading outside the EU. Our overall priority is to help secure a sustainable long-term future for farming and the rural economy.

“We know there are challenges – for example, static productivity levels and a lack of national co-ordination and forward momentum for endemic disease control and monitoring needs to be addressed. But we believe there is a wealth of experience and expertise in farm animal health in the UK and we now have an unprecedented opportunity to tackle these challenges and guide animal health and welfare towards an achievable vision.

“Our paper sets out a holistic approach, because we believe no single action is going to deliver proper forward momentum.”

He cited the NOAH Animal Medicines Best Practice (AMBP) training programme, delivering training in responsible antibiotic use for farmers, as a good case study of industry working together to deliver practical solutions. This programme has been endorsed by the Government and is well supported throughout the farming and veterinary sector.

Concluding, Mr Brannan said: “Our call to action asks that both industry and the Government work collaboratively to design and deliver a clear UK strategy for animal health and welfare, to seize this huge and unprecedented opportunity for the UK to lead and deliver sustainable agriculture.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.