Increased payments for vet visits
From 22 January 2026, payments for the animal health and welfare review and the endemic disease follow-up will increase. This post sets out the new rates and explains how to access the funding.
Chris Maxwell
Chris Maxwell is Head of Policy for the 'Get funding to improve animal health and welfare service' at Defra.
With over 18 years in the Civil Service and 7 years shaping the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, he leads the team that co-designed the Pathway’s disease control programme with industry.
Chris now oversees the delivery of targeted funding to help farmers improve animal health and welfare, making sure the service is practical, effective, and aligned with wider policy goals across Defra and the Farming and Countryside Programme.
Animal Health and Welfare Pathway: multiple herds and flocks now eligible for vet visit funding
From today, farmers in England can get a funded vet visit for each of their herds or flocks of the same species. This helps those with multiple groups of cattle, pigs or sheep to access tailored animal health and welfare support across their business.
Related content and links
Agricultural property relief
From 6 April 2026, full inheritance tax relief will apply to the first £2.5 million of qualifying agricultural and business assets, with lower relief applying to any value above this. Learn more
Talk to us
8-9 January at the Oxford Farming Conference and at the Oxford Real Farming Conference.
13 January register to attend Defra’s Farming Roadmap 2050 event at Borderway Mart in Carlisle.
Livestock disease guidance
Get advice
The Farming Advice Service (FAS) provides free, confidential advice to farmers and advisers.
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) helps farmers in England protect water, air and soil. CSF advisers can provide advice on best practices and specific actions that will benefit your farm business and the environment.
We’ve compiled a list of organisations offering wellbeing support to those in the farming community.
