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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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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.