From the 13th December 2023:
-A farmer declaration used as evidence of regular vet visits will no longer be adequate.

-A Statutory Health Attestation will be required to approve exports of Products of Animal Origin to the EU. The Export Health Certificate needed for sending livestock or animal products to the EU requires the proof of regular vet visits.

-A signed veterinary attestation must be carried out at least once a year.

Assurance Schemes
Membership of the following schemes eliminates the need to arrange a Statutory Health Attestation from 13th December.
• Red Tractor
• Farm Assured Welsh Livestock Beef and Lamb Scheme (FAWL)
• (Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers Ltd (WLBP)
• Quality Meat Scotland (QMS)

For further information visit: https://www.laa.co.uk/news/5082/new-veterinary-attestation-rule-for-farmers-to-be-introduced-in-december/

This Vet Attestation may be integrated into other veterinary visits. Including the Annual Health and Welfare Review-please find the outline of this below.

Sustainable Farming Incentive Annual Health and Welfare Review

The SFI Annual Health and Welfare Review can be undertaken via the RPA Animal Health & Welfare Pathway. The RPA will then grant you a set payment depending on livestock type for a vet of your choosing to carry out the review.

The review will include:
• Tests for endemic diseases such as Bovine Viral Diarrhoea in cattle or Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome in pigs.
• Effectiveness of wormers in sheep.
• Reviewing condition of the livestock type you’re having reviewed against recommended standards.
• Advice on the health and welfare of the livestock.
• A report prepared by the vet with agreed recommendations and actions to improve your livestock’s health and welfare.
Eligibility
Your livestock must be registered in England and fit the quantities below:
-11 or more beef/dairy cattle
-51 or more pigs
-21 or more sheep

Payment-the payment is per species, not per individual animal.
See the payments below for a review of each livestock type.
• £522 for a beef herd
• £372 for a dairy herd
• £684 for a pig herd
• £436 for a sheep flock
This review can be used to fulfil the Health Plan and Annual Livestock Health and Performance Review standards for Red Tractor assurance schemes. AH.1 and AH.1.1.

For further information visit:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sfi-annual-health-and-welfare-review

If you require any assistance or advice concerning Health and Safety on Farm, Cross Compliance or any assurance schemes, please contact us. Our Rural Compliance Service is here to help. Contact Us – Farm Consultancy (fcgagric.com)