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Sheep industry launches welfare strategy
The strategy will focus on elements of sheep welfare including lameness and pain management.
Five-year plan aims to improve sheep welfare.

The industry body Ruminant Health and Welfare (RH&W) has launched the first ever UK Sheep Welfare Strategy.

The initiative, which will run until 2028, aims to help the sheep sector improve animal welfare and demonstrate evidence-based progress.

The strategy includes six strategic goals:
  • Healthy feet – reducing lameness
  • Appropriate body condition – ensuring optimal body condition scores
  • Thriving lambs – providing good nutrition and protecting against disease
  • Collaborative flock management – active collaboration between farmers, veterinary surgeons and advisers
  • Positive welfare – focusing on welfare when making all management decisions
  • Sheep comfort – making sure every farm has a proactive pain management plan.

More than 95 businesses and organisations have signed up to the strategy.

National Sheep Association chief executive and RH&W steering group member Phil Stocker said: “This strategy will provide great ammunition to drive forward the sector across a wide range of welfare improvements over the next five years including the licensing of analgesics, influencing Government support programmes, and conditions in transport and at slaughter.

“The strategy contains a five-step plan for delivery, which includes a commitment for routine meetings with a working group representing all stakeholders so we can agree an action plan for each of the six goals.

“It will be challenging, but through RH&W we are determined to find ways to demonstrate and evidence the progress by producing an annual progress report for transparency.”

A similar strategy for dairy cattle was launched by RH&W earlier this year and there are plans to launch one for beef cattle.

Image ©
RH&W

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Avian Influenza Prevention Zone introduced across Wales

News Story 1
 An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been introduced across Wales.

From 30 January, all bird keepers in Wales must implement strict biosecurity measures to protect poultry and captive birds. This includes a mandatory self-assessment checklist.

The Animal & Plant Health Agency has already introduced AIPZs in Scotland and England, with mandatory housing in some parts of England. The avian influenza interactive map reveals where restrictions are in place, with further information about Wales' AIPZ here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Applications open for RCVS Fellowship

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has opened applications for veterinary surgeons to join the RCVS Fellowship.

The RCVS Fellowship is a learned society which works to advance veterinary standards and promote scientific excellence.

Veterinary surgeons can enter the RCVS Fellowship through three routes, each with different criteria. This enables people with a range of expertise and experience to join the society.

The routes are: Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice, Meritorious Contributions to Knowledge and Meritorious Contributions to the Profession.

Applicants must share a summary of their contributions to the profession, including examples of significant works produced throughout their career. The application will then be assessed by a panel of judges against a set of criteria.

Veterinary surgeons have until 4pm on Friday, 14 March to submit applications. More information, including requirements and guidance can be found here.