The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) has welcomed the publication of the Agriculture Bill and its recognition of the importance of measures to improve animal health and welfare.

The announcement of the Bill includes the introduction of measures to monitor UK food security as we leave the EU and make new trade deals.

Dawn Howard, NOAH’s chief executive, said: “High standards of animal health are integral to improving animal welfare, and it isright that they are recognised within the Agriculture Bill as a public good.

“Not only will improving animal health help deliver benefits in terms of welfare, it will also support raising productivity, improved sustainability and resilience of farms – all helping to prepare for changes in trading outside the EU and strengthening our food security.”

Ms Howard continued: “We look forward to working with Government on how these improvements can best be achieved. Our ‘Vision Paper for Animal Health and Welfare’ sets out NOAH’s ambition through a holistic approach – we believe no single action will deliver the results needed.

“Prevention of disease through measures such as improved biosecurity and vaccination and herd/flock health planning; improving skills through farmer professional development; investment in new technology – all will help play their part. We want to see further detail when the Bill is published in full relating to animal traceability and the commitment on “better” data on animal identification, movements and health.”

Ms Howard said that NOAH will analyse the Bill in full and looks forward to working closely with the Government, MPs and partners “to ensure animal health is a top priority going forward”.