Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

BVA welcomes Wales Sustainable Farming Scheme
The AHIC should be implemented on farms with livestock.
Vets will be involved with animal health and welfare management.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed a new Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), which is due to commence on 1 January 2026 in Wales.

The scheme will aim to support the sustainable keeping of livestock, tackling issues such as climate change and environmental sustainability.

Farmers will be encouraged to collaborate with their veterinary practice to support the health and welfare of their livestock. Veterinary teams will be closely involved with optimising animal health on the farm, as well as supporting other initiatives in place.

The SFS suggests thats ‘prevention is better than cure’ approach will promote healthy and productive animals.

The Animal Health Improvement Cycle (AHIC) should be implemented on farms where livestock are reared or farmed to produce food and goods. However, it will not be needed on small-scale enterprises with farmgate sales of private livestock.

Farmers are asked to work with their veterinary practice to action the AHIC, which should be completed within a 12-month period. 

The AHIC covers four different steps: identify at least one health metric that could be improved, agree on an action plan, carry out and record a number of action plans, and review the impact of the actions.

The completed AHIC template must be signed by the farmer and the veterinary surgeon, acting as evidence it has been completed. There should also be an annual biosecurity assessment.

There will also be requirement for farmers to complete training in Body Condition Scoring (BCS), as well as mobility scoring, at least once every five years.

BVA’s Welsh Branch has been in involved in the Ministerial Roundtable. It will continue to work with the Welsh government to develop animal health aspects of the optional and collaborative tiers.

Elizabeth Mullineaux, BVA president, said: “We all have a responsibility to tackle climate change and sustainable farming and food production plays a crucial role. The Sustainable Farming Scheme brings much needed clarity to farmers and vet teams in Wales looking to play their part.

“We are especially pleased to see the ethical imperative of animal health and welfare recognised as part of the scheme, as this is fundamental to farming sustainably.”

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Zoetis launches equine quality of life survey

News Story 1
 Zoetis UK has called on horse owners to complete a short online survey about their horse's behaviours.

The survey comes as the company collaborates with VetMetrica to develop a tool to measure health-related quality of life in horses. The tool is expected to be particularly useful for horses living with chronic conditions, such as arthritis or laminitis.

It will take approximately 15 minutes to complete the survey, which explores the relevance and clarity of each behaviour.

The survey can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.