Animal health and welfare

How we can help

We enforce animal health and welfare legislation. We do this by inspecting all farms and other livestock premises to check the health and welfare of animals kept there.

Our work includes:

  • inspecting feed, fertilisers and animal movement records
  • supervision (when necessary) of cleaning and disinfection of livestock premises, vehicles and equipment
  • ensuring the proper disposal of certain animal carcasses
  • advice and assistance to farm businesses and other keepers of animals

Visit our licensing pages for pet shop, animal boarding, riding establishment and zoo licences.

Moving sheep and goats

Any movements must be accompanied by an AML1 form. This form serves as a single movement reporting document, so each stage of a multiple move must be completed on a separate form. When the journey is complete, you must send the white copy to the relevant local authority at your destination within three days of arrival.

Visit the Animal Reporting and Movement Service.

Moving pigs

Apply for a licence for pig movements.

When you complete the journey you must inform the relevant local authority at your destination within three days of arrival.

Moving cattle

Cattle passports are issued shortly after birth by the British Cattle Movement Service.

Cattle have individual passports which should always accompany them when they move.

Current Situation - Avian Influenza

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has announced that mandatory housing measures for poultry and captive birds, which were introduced across the United Kingdom to help stop the spread of bird flu, will be lifted from 00:01 on Tuesday 18 April 2023.

Poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed, unless they are in a Protection Zone, and will be allowed to be kept outside.

All bird keepers must keep a close watch on them for signs of disease and maintain good biosecurity at all times. If you have any concerns about the health of your birds, seek prompt advice from your vet.

Public health advice remains that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find and instead report them to the relevant helpline below.

Avian influenza (bird flu) is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.

More information
For more information, see GOV.UK: Avian influzena (bird flu). https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bird-flu-avian-influenza-how-to-prevent-it-a...

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