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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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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.