Following considerable input from the NFU, poultry producers now have access to funded vet visits as part of the AHWP (Animal Health and Welfare Pathway).
NFU member reps have been part of a working group looking at biosecurity with government officials and other sector stakeholders. This work has been ongoing for well over a year, including a period where government funding couldn’t’ be secured and the sector were left to consider options for self-delivery.
Following an announcement that funding had been secured by the Defra Secretary of State at the NFU conference in February, the NFU has been fully engaged in shaping the offering for biosecurity reviews on farm and we welcome the opening of applications from the 2 June 2026.
“This newly funded element offers the opportunity to focus on biosecurity through a fresh pair of eyes on farm..”
NFU Poultry Board Chair Will Raw
Keeping disease at bay
NFU Poultry Board Chair Will Raw said: “The launch of the government funded biosecurity review is welcome news for poultry producers who continue to face the global threat of avian influenza.
“Poultry farmers practice stringent biosecurity to protect their flocks from disease and with vet visits traditionally focusing on bird health and welfare, this newly funded element offers the opportunity to focus on biosecurity through a fresh pair of eyes on farm. This should help ensure everything that can be done is being done to keep disease out.”
Broadening the scope
One aspect the NFU fought hard for was the scope in terms of which producers would be eligible to apply for the funding.
Traditionally grant funding under the AHWP has only covered laying hens, broilers and more recently breeders, however the NFU successfully built a business case to include other poultry such as ducks, geese and turkeys.
Diseases like avian influenza do not differentiate between bird type and so biosecurity remains a vital defence for all poultry keepers. We were therefore pleased to see this new government offering is available to producers of laying hens, broilers, breeders including pullets, turkeys, ducks and geese.
Eligibility thresholds
While the range of poultry included is welcomed, the NFU continues to work with Defra on the thresholds that have been set for eligibility. We believe there are merits for producers with bird numbers below the current thresholds to access support for a biosecurity review and in some cases, there could be an additional benefit if they are not already part of an assurance scheme.
Defra has agreed to keep the thresholds for eligibility under review and the NFU is keen to continue taking member feedback on this element so that we can represent member’s thoughts in future working group meetings.
Improved application process
Another area the NFU successfully advocated for is the application process. We have previously heard from members that government schemes can be hard to apply for. To promote uptake we stressed at every opportunity the importance of making the application process as simple as possible.
NFU member and co-chair of the AHWP poultry meat and egg groups David Brass commented on how simple the application process was after his team completed the first application for the new biosecurity scheme. “It is a really simple application process,” he said. “You need your CPH number, SBI number, poultry register number and that is it. Then find a vet to do your visit and receive £430 from Defra to pay for it.
“Registration is easy and the timing lends itself to producers planning their vet visit ahead of the peak risk period for avian influenza in the autumn.”
The NFU poultry team would like to thank David, along with AHWP poultry meat and egg groups co-chair Keith Warner, whose persistence in leading on this initiative has ensured the poultry sector can benefit alongside other sectors from government funding.
The NFU is encouraging members to consider this new biosecurity review offering and to apply for a funded vet visit on farm. Read Poultry Biosecurity Review funding – essential information for further information about how to apply.
We would also welcome feedback from those who make an application. Please use the feedback form below (you will need to be logged in).