NFU responds to Animal Health and Welfare Pathway proposals

A herd of cattle and sheep plus a text box containing the words

The NFU has submitted its response to Defra on the government's vision for the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway.

The government plans to introduce a new mandatory phase of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway and is seeking views on proposed new measures to strengthen livestock health and welfare for cattle, sheep and pigs in England.

The NFU has heard from members of the NFU national Livestock and Dairy Boards to ensure their concerns have been captured in its response.

The NFU's response, including where we accept and reject the government's proposals plus issues we have raised, is set out below (NFU members will need to be logged in). 

This page was first published on 28 April 2026. It was updated on 19 May 2026.


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