Latest updates from Ruminant Health & Welfare

Welcome to the latest RH&W newsletter

As we move into the autumn months, the change in weather presents both opportunities and challenges for livestock farmers across the UK – along with the continued threat of bluetongue.

However, it is important to first reflect on some recent industry milestones.

At this year’s UK Dairy Day, we were thrilled to launch the GB Calf Strategy 2025-2030. This strategy marks a crucial next step for the dairy-beef sector, setting clear, measurable goals towards ensuring every calf is reared with care and purpose. The focus on ‘Right Calf, Right Start, Right Route’ will help us build a sustainable, resilient future for the industry.

Equally exciting is the progress we’ve seen in the first two years of the UK Dairy Cattle Welfare Strategy. The evidence presented in the latest progress report highlights significant improvements across the six key welfare goals. The collaborative effort from various industry stakeholders has enabled much progress and I look forward to seeing what more the strategy can achieve.

I am also delighted to share the news of three new RH&W industry ‘subgroups’. This approach has been designed to identify and support interventions that tackle the greatest animal welfare challenges in the sector.

As the weather turns, we must be mindful of the potential risks that come with the changing seasons. I encourage all farmers to remain vigilant and to consult their vets and industry groups for guidance.

The recent confirmation of the first bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) cases in Wales, alongside the re-emergence of serotype 8 (BTV-8) in England, has heightened concerns for the sector.

These developments follow a period which has seen a rapid rise in cases (a total of 95 BTV-3 cases in Great Britain for the 2025 to 2026 vector season) and the relaxation of movement restrictions between Wales, Scotland and England.

In light of these changes, it’s a good time to revisit the Bluetongue Movements Checker tool and resources available via the Bluetongue virus resource hub.

I want to thank everyone involved in the progress we’ve seen, particularly in the collective efforts to enhance animal welfare. I am confident that by continuing to work together, we can overcome challenges and drive progress for the health, welfare and sustainability of our livestock sector.

Gwyn Jones
Chair
RH&W

Latest bluetongue BTV-3 updates

For the latest updates and information on bluetongue BTV-3, visit our resource hub here.

New five-year GB Calf Strategy launched

The next phase of this collaborative strategy from AHDB, Innovation for Agriculture, NFU and RH&W challenges the dairy-beef sector to ensure every calf is reared with care, purpose and value.

The strategy outlines three focus areas – Right Calf, Right Start and Right Route – with clear measurable goals and actions listed for each.

Sarah Tomlinson, lead veterinary science expert at AHDB said: “This new five-year strategy marks the next chapter for the industry, builds on the success of the outcomes already delivered through the 2020-2023 GB Dairy Calf Strategy, and brings us all together for a shared vision.”

Read the strategy: GB Calf Strategy 2025-2030 and find out about becoming a signatory here: Signatories – Ruminant Health & Welfare.

On-farm progress evident from first two years of UK Dairy Cattle Welfare Strategy

Launched in 2023 by RH&W, with the support of NFU, AHDB and 19 industry signatories, the latest data and evidence from the strategy shows advancements across key welfare goals: healthy feet; thriving cows; healthy udders; comfortable cows; appropriately nourished cows; and positive welfare.

Read the 2025 progress report here.

Farmers urged to stay vigilant of livestock health as seasonal risks emerge

The significant ‘mast year’ crop and recent storms mean many acorns have fallen to the ground, increasing the potential risk of poisoning for livestock. Acorn consumption can be fatal for livestock as they contain sufficient quantities of compounds which are toxic when ingested, and in youngstock – can be addictive.

Mast poisoning is incurable, so farmers are being urged to avoid grazing or fence off areas with oak trees.

Following the recent wet weather and subsequent flush of grass after the dry period, the risk of grass staggers (hypomagnesaemia) in livestock is also heightened. Farmers should be vigilant for symptoms such as tremors and weakness and consider supplementing magnesium.

The recent grass growth also means potential for increased cases of gastrointestinal parasites such as lungworm. Farmers should investigate suspected cases, and deaths immediately if suspected and refer to SCOPS and COWS groups for guidance on parasites.

Although new grass means stock are less likely to seek out other vegetation, farmers should remain mindful of the risks that toxic plants like hemlock and ragwort have presented during recent months – and still have the potential to pose.

Voluntary gamma testing now available in high-risk TB areas

As part of Defra’s ongoing refresh of England’s bovine TB control strategy, voluntary interferon-gamma blood testing to cattle keepers in high-risk TB areas (HRA) has been rolled out. It was previously only used as a compulsory measure in severe or repeat cases.

Eligible cattle keepers in HRA and six-monthly testing zones of the edge area can voluntarily request gamma testing through APHA if their herd has lost its TB free status due to a breakdown.

For full details and eligibility criteria, visit tbhub.co.uk.

BCVA welcomes findings of a fresh review into bTB policy in England

Bovine TB continues to divide opinion across the industry, with the latest review by Professor Sir Charles Godfray prompting a mixed response. While the BCVA broadly welcomed its findings, farming groups such as the NFU claimed the policy was ‘floundering’.

Defra has said it plans to publish its new strategy towards this target early next year.