Understanding the requirement of good animal health

Avian Flu updated 13 March 2024

Avian influenza outbreaks Buckinghamshire and Surrey

Visit bird flu (avian influenza): how to spot and report it in poultry or other captive birds (GOV.UK), for guidance and regular disease updates.

When to report dead wild birds and how to report them.

Legislation exists to protect both human, through the food chain, and animal health. This prevents the introduction of serious, notifiable diseases such as Avian Flu and Foot and Mouth and includes requirements for maintaining records and ensuring livestock are identified. Measures also exist to protect the welfare of livestock, whether on smallholdings, farms, in transit or at abattoirs.

We work with the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), to ensure the above.

This Farm Regulators' Charter sets out what you can expect from a farm visit by a regulator and what your responsibilities are.

If you are a new livestock keeper please ensure that you have obtained a holding number from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) on 03000 200 301 and then a herd/flock number from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (AHPA) a DEFRA agency on 03000 200 301. We will then be notified.

Who to contact

Animal Health Newsletter

We have produced this newsletter to bring together all the latest animal health updates in one convenient location for you. Please do take a couple of minutes to have a look and follow the links to further information as needed.

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