NOAH has welcomed Defra proposals for the future for UK food and farming as a progressive step towards improving animal health, welfare and sustainability. The consultation will incentivise methods of farming that reduce animal disease and monitor animal health and welfare.

Defra’s proposal focuses on driving progress in the field of animal disease prevention and treatment provision in a timely manner. Recognising the clear productivity and sustainability gains that can be made through the further development of animal health initiatives, NOAH is also investing in skills and promoting training opportunities that are important to support this progress.

This includes working with RUMA (Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance) and a network of stakeholders to improve the provision of training for farmers in the responsible use of animal medicines. The proposal for a new agricultural policy, underpinned by payment of public money for the provision of public goods should capture the vital public goods provided by good animal health and welfare.

NOAH chair Gaynor Hillier, said “We welcome Defra’s proposal as we understand and believe that real improvements to animal health and welfare can be made by increasing the use of a range of preventative and supportive medicines, such as vaccines and pain relief medicines.

“Future animal health and welfare standards set by UK Government should naturally uphold our current protections and provide a driver for animal health improvements.

“We welcome ambitious Government plans to develop a co-operative Animal Health Pathway programme of partnership to tackle animal disease and improve health standards. We would encourage Government to embrace a One Health approach and to extend the scope of this programme to include companion animals, including horses.”