Latest updates from Ruminant Health & Welfare

Welcome to RH&W’s latest newsletter

As July brings further spells of warm weather across the UK, it is a timely reminder of the practical pressures facing livestock farmers at this time of year. Heat stress, keeping livestock comfortable, transport and disease control are just a small number of challenges the hot weather brings and each has a direct bearing on the health and welfare of animals.

Our RH&W steering group meeting on June 24 reflected many of these important themes, with discussion ranging from cattle handling and bovine TB to slaughter accreditation and export opportunities.

I would like to thank Gareth Hateley, one of the founding members of the steering group, who has announced his retirement. Gareth’s wealth of experience and expertise, along with his guidance, will be missed and we are grateful to him for all his time and effort and wish him well in the future.

The first speaker at the meeting was independent dairy vet consultant Owen Atkinson, who introduced his Mind the Moo initiative. This work focuses on improving cattle handling and welfare on farm through better training, awareness and culture change. Owen highlighted the importance of understanding cattle behaviour and the impact that poor handling can have, not only on welfare but also on productivity and safety. As he explained, cattle that are fearful of people can produce less milk, show more lameness and become harder and more dangerous to manage.

At a time when the industry continues to face scrutiny, including a number of animal welfare exposés on UK farms in recent years, initiatives such as Mind the Moo have an important role to play. Practical, farm-level improvements, supported by clear training and industry engagement, are essential if we are to keep building trust and raising standards.

We also heard from Sarah Tomlinson, technical director of the TB Advisory Service and lead veterinary scientist at AHDB, who gave a thought-provoking update on the refreshed Bovine TB Strategy for England, which we take a look at later in the newsletter.

Our final speaker was John Powell, who has recently taken up the role of chief executive at the British Meat Processors Association following many years at Defra. John spoke about the forthcoming pre-stun slaughter Halal accreditation scheme, which is being developed for lamb exports. He encouraged the industry to support the scheme, noting that wider backing would give it greater strength and influence in an area that remains both important and sensitive.

Taken together, the presentations showed once again how broad the RH&W agenda is. Thank you to all our speakers for giving their time and expertise, and to steering group members for their continued engagement.



Gwyn Jones, RH&W Chair