Latest updates from Ruminant Health & Welfare

Welcome to the first RH&W newsletter of 2026

Now we are at the end of January we can look ahead, albeit tentatively, to early lambing and spring calving. With livestock keepers focused on maintaining optimal ruminant health and welfare, it will be interesting to see if new challenges come to the fore.

Herd management during these seasonal shifts has been an evolving discussion at RH&W steering group meetings, with Natalie Jewell from APHA providing an update on seasonal health. Natalie spoke on the importance of early detection of Bluetongue virus (BTV), pre-breeding exams and ongoing surveillance for diseases such as Toxoplasmosis and Neospora. She took the opportunity to highlight the rising risks of respiratory diseases and housing-associated risks, and why effective management such as herd segregation is important for prevention.

Defra’s Animal Health and Welfare Pathway (AHWP) aims to coordinate policies on food security, environmental commitments and disease management as outlined by their chair, Jonathon Statham, during the meeting. Naomi Bull, head of Defra policy summarised that the upcoming mandatory phase of the pathway will require funded annual vet reviews and BVD eradication to maintain progress and support high animal welfare standards. The consultation process will seek feedback on exemptions, data sharing and a holistic approach to flock health planning, with legislation set for summer 2027.

I would like to thank Ben Harman and Keith Cutler for their comprehensive update on CHECS. Ben highlighted recent CHECS progress, showing the focus on growth and opportunities for collaboration with the AHWP to improve cattle health. Keith presented recent changes to the BVD and Johne’s disease programmes, advancements in testing, ongoing efforts to refine the TB programme and improved guidance for health status in livery and ET centres.

The three newly formed sub-groups of RH&W are already focused on driving key changes and addressing practical challenges. I thank Claire White, Hillary Cowley and Joe Henry for chairing their respective subgroups: Health, Welfare, and Interventions. Their efforts in meeting quarterly, steering key initiatives, such as pain management and data feedback from abattoirs, are going to be crucial to ensuring the RH&W group’s collective ambition and work delivers meaningful outcomes.

A huge thank you again to Boehringer Ingelheim for their support of RH&W communications in 2026 as we start the new year.

Many thanks to all RH&W steering and working groups for your dedication and commitment to supporting ongoing industry efforts.

Gwyn Jones, RH&W Chair

Latest bluetongue BTV-3 updates

Battle Bluetongue webinars

The first 2026 ‘Battle Bluetongue’ webinar, powered by AHDB, takes place on Wednesday, 28 January, between 5-6pm.

The expert panel, chaired by Neil Shand, chief executive of the National Beef Association, will be discussing the new vaccination guidance issued by BCVA and results from winter BTV surveillance from APHA.

The session includes a live Q&A – questions can be sent in advance via this web form: https://forms.office.com/e/dEpjrQE5bS.

Book your place via: https://bit.ly/4sEIyT4

BTV-3 confirmed in Northern Ireland

DAERA has shared a recent update on Northern Ireland’s bluetongue outbreak and the fact there are 1,100 cattle herds and 980 sheep flocks within the temporary control zones.

Read this page for updates.

Cases confirmed in the Republic of Ireland

At the time of writing, an outbreak of BTV-3 has been found in a cattle herd in Co Wexford. Read more: Bluetongue virus found in herd in Wexford – BBC News

Help RH&W resources reach sheep scanners ahead of lambing

RH&W wants to provide useful information to pregnancy sheep scanners to help farmers understand any disease impacts on scanning rates. The first resource available is a short podcast.

The episode is chaired by Dr Philippa Page, President of the Sheep Veterinary Society and includes on-farm pointers, plus insights from APHA Small Ruminant lead Rudolf Reichel, as well as specialist sheep vet Dr Fiona Lovatt from Flock Health.

Listen to find out how scanners can help farmers this winter ahead of lambing via our podcast. Click the following links to hear it on Spotify or Apple.

Join the RH&W scanner directory

To help resources such as the podcast to reach sheep scanners, please share contact details of any sheep scanners you know via this secure survey link: https://surveymonkey.com/r/RHWscanners

Once this directory has been built, relevant resources will be shared with scanners. If you have any queries or suggestions or would like to contribute relevant material for this page, please email RuminantHW@ahdb.org.uk

BCBC conference news

The British Cattle Breeders Conference (BCBC) 2026 was a resounding success, attracting breeders, farmers and industry experts from across the country.

The event’s theme, Joining the Dots: From Blue Skies to Green Fields, focused on the application of innovative breeding techniques and cutting-edge research in the field of cattle farming. Key discussions revolved around genetic technologies, sustainable practices and the challenges of translating research into practical farm solutions.

Interactive workshops, including a breeding planning session, allowed people to engage directly with experts and refine their skills. Panels with farmers, vets and researchers tackled pressing issues, such as adopting new technologies and improving herd performance.

Overall, the conference provided valuable insights and practical tools to take back to farms, enhancing cattle breeding practices for the future. Learn more: https://www.cattlebreeders.org.uk/conference/

Animal Health and Welfare Pathway Consultations – vet funded visits

The funding available for vet visits for animal health and welfare reviews and endemic disease follow-ups has increased since 22 January 2026. This change will help farmers access quality veterinary support and allow vets enough time to provide a thorough service.

There has been a 16% uplift across all species.

If you already have funding:

If you are an existing agreement holder, you do not need to do anything now
In January, once the increased payment rates are in place, the RPA will write to you with a variation to your agreement’s terms and conditions to reflect the new funding levels

How to access funding:

New applicants must have a minimum livestock requirement (11 cattle and/or 21 sheep)
You must also apply for an Improve Animal Health and Welfare (IAHW) agreement
Ensure that your agreement is approved and finalised before taking any action following your review or follow-up visit – any work done prior to the start of your agreement will not be funded
To apply, you will need your Rural Payments Service Customer Reference Number (CRN) and password

Vet visits will assess health, housing, nutrition, biosecurity, and disease risks, with written recommendations and plans following the review and follow-up.

For full details, follow this link: DEFRA Farming Blog.

APHA’s continuned free Schmallenberg virus testing

The APHA will continue offering free Schmallenberg testing in 2026, after consultation with a Veterinary Investigation Officer. This includes samples from lambs, kids and calves born with arthrogryposis or other musculoskeletal deformities. A fresh brain sample (preferably the brain stem) can be submitted for free testing to investigate the role of SBV, monitor its distribution, and detect new or re-emerging threats.

Survey on positive welfare in dairy farming

LIFT are encouraging dairy farm managers to take part in a 10 – 15-minute anonymous survey for EU COST Action on positive animal welfare in the diary industry.

COST Action LIFT (CA21124) is a European initiative developing practical ways to include Positive Animal Welfare (PAW) in farm animal welfare assessment. PAW goes beyond good health and the absence of suffering, focusing on animals flourishing through positive experiences, engagement in rewarding activities, and supportive social relationships across their lifetime.

Dairy farm managers are being encouraged to give practical insights which are essential to ensure PAW can be meaningfully assessed on farms.

The information given helps shape the future EU animal welfare assessment approaches.

Click here to access the 15 minute survey.