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Government expands expert animal welfare committee
The new Animal Welfare Committee will advise government on future farming reforms.
Remit to include pets, wild animals kept by people and farmed animals

The government has expanded the remit of its Farm Animal Welfare Committee to provide advice to ministers on pets, wild animals kept by people and farmed animals.

The committee was renamed on Tuesday (1 October) to the Animal Welfare Committee and will continue to advise Defra and the Devolved Administrations (DAs) in Scotland and Wales.

“We are a nation of animal lovers and this government is committed to taking important steps forward to strengthen our already high standards on animal welfare,” commented animal welfare minister, Zac Goldsmith.

“The committee has provided the government with invaluable advice over the years and I look forward to continuing work with colleagues as they broaden their remit to include pets and wild animals kept by people, as well as farmed animals.”

Peter Jinman, chair of the Animal Welfare Committee, said: “I welcome the expansion of the committee’s remit to advise on a broader spectrum of animal welfare issues and encourage experts with the relevant skills to apply for a role in this important new area of activity.”

The main priorities of the new Animal Welfare Committee include:
  • advising government on future farming reforms to deliver welfare enhancements
  • advising government on the welfare of companion animals and wild animals kept by people
  • reviewing dairy and beef cattle production systems and the welfare of the animals
  • working closely with the European Forum of Animal Welfare Councils (EuroFAWC).

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.