EU bans prophylactic use of antibiotics in farming
The European Parliament has today (25 October 2018) approved new legislation to come into force in 2022, banning the prophylactic use of antibiotics in farming. Preventative antibiotics can be routinely given to farm animals – particularly to pigs and poultry – to compensate for the substandard living conditions where disease outbreaks are common and harder […]
Animal welfare enhanced by new code for laying hens and pullets
The welfare code for laying hens has today been updated as part of a programme of reforms to safeguard and enhance the welfare of animals. Strengthened statutory guidance is now in place for keepers and owners of laying hens and pullets on how to meet the needs of their birds and enhance their welfare. This […]
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health announces new Avian Team
Over the past fifteen years Merial Animal Health and Boehringer Ingelheim’s avian and swine departments have produced a number of innovative vaccines for improved animal health. Following Boehringer Ingleheim’s acquisition of Merial Animal Health, this focus on disease prevention continues, and is reflected in the ongoing investment in research into new vaccines for the poultry […]
Farmers ploughing funds into animal welfare in 2018
New research reveals that UK farmers are planning to invest more in animal welfare than any other aspect of their farm business in 2018. This comes as McDonald’s UK unveils a half million-pound capital grant scheme to help dairy farmers deliver animal welfare initiatives. The latest Farm Forward Barometer – part of an ongoing programme […]
CHeCS farmers rewarded by Defra in new TB rules
The role of CHeCS biosecurity measures in reducing the risk of a TB breakdown has been recognised in new Government rules, which will see participants in CHeCS TB herd accreditation programmes exempt from more frequent testing. The new Government rules, likely to be introduced in 2019 following a consultation last year, stipulate that herds in […]
Rams deserve better attention
The working lives of rams in commercial flocks could be improved if farmers gave them the attention they deserve in terms of health and nutritional needs. This is the conclusion of a new report looking at the longevity and welfare of rams, launched at the Sheep Breeders’ Round Table event in Nottingham this weekend (Sunday […]
Vets urge vigilance after Bluetongue-positive animals imported to England and Scotland
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has called for renewed vigilance and responsible sourcing after Defra and Scottish Government announced that a number of cattle in a consignment from an assembly centre in France have tested positive for Bluetongue virus BTV-8. The animals entered the UK earlier this month destined for four farms in England (Preston […]
£5.5m initiative bids to boost farm livestock health in Africa
Vet experts are delivering a £5.5 million initiative to improve the health and productivity of farmed animals in sub-Saharan Africa. The scheme aims to boost the livelihoods of livestock farmers by delivering evidence-based technologies that offer sustainable solutions to the challenges they face. The Supporting Evidence Based Interventions initiative (SEBI) has received funding from the […]
UK Government must adopt high regulatory standards for farm antibiotics when the UK leaves the EU
The Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics is calling on the Government to ensure that its Repeal Bill, published today, fully converts EU legislation controlling farm antibiotic use into UK law. Any substantive changes to policies and standards should be made by primary legislation only, requiring a full and proper role for scientific and parliamentary scrutiny. […]
