Latest news from RH&W: Updates and industry news

Welcome to Ruminant Health & Welfare

It’s certainly been a busy, and at times challenging, month for the agricultural sector and RH&W. The spread of the latest strain of the bluetongue virus (BTV-3) from Europe to the UK with five cases now confirmed has required increased surveillance, with all ruminant farmers across the four nations asked to remain vigilant for the disease, but especially those in the temporary control zone around the initial case.

It has however been gratifying to see the industry unite and take rapid and effective action to prevent the spread of BTV-3 wherever possible. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have been involved in the working group and all industry professions who have provided expertise and knowledge so far.

On a different note, this month has seen the exciting and positive launch of the first five-year UK Sheep Welfare strategy. The industry and its stakeholders joined forces to produce this strategy, a first of its kind for the sheep sector.

The industry’s shared vision and hope is for the UK sheep sector to demonstrate evidence-based progress in six key areas of sheep welfare over the next five years and beyond. We are looking for ongoing support of the strategy and if your organisation would like to get involved in the working group or support the strategy, please email RuminantHW@ahdb.org.uk.

As ever, please do get in touch with your thoughts or feedback via RuminantHW@ahdb.org.uk.

With best wishes,

Gwyn Jones
Chair
RH&W

View the Ruminant Health Dec 2023 newsletter

• Bluetongue update
• Advice for farmers
• Sheep Welfare Strategy launched
• Presenting on production efficiency in UK cattle
• Latest RUMA report shows drop in antibiotic usage
• Helping hands for lambing season
• Other news from the industry
• Upcoming events