Poultry Biosecurity Review funding – apply for a biosecurity vet visit
As the government urges bird keepers to review and strengthen their biosecurity to protect their birds, the NFU is reminding poultry keepers about funded biosecurity advisory reviews, available under Defra's animal health and welfare review.
What you need to know
- Funding is available for a maximum of three biosecurity visits.
- Eligible keepers are those with at least 1,000 or more chickens (breeders, broilers, egg layers and pullets) or 500 or more ducks, geese or turkeys.
- £430 can be claimed for each review.
- Reviews must be completed by 31 December 2028.
- Claims must be submitted by 31 March 2029.
A case of avian influenza (AI) has been confirmed in Scotland, prompting the government to remind bird keepers to exercise stringent biosecurity to reduce the risk of an AI incursion in their birds.
Eligible poultry keepers can apply for funding for three biosecurity review vet visits that focus on tailored biosecurity support that is relevant to the individual farm, rather than generic guidance.
Eligibility
Eligibility is based on those who are responsible for the day-to-day care of the birds, have an SBI (Single Business Identifier)) number with the RPA and have a registered CPH (County Parish Holding) in England.
As a minimum, one of the following flock sizes must be met per CPH to determine its eligibility:
- 1,000 laying hens
- 1,000 meat chickens
- 1,000 breeder chickens (including pullets)
- 500 ducks
- 500 geese
- 500 turkeys
Vet visits
Each eligible site can have its own review.
Keepers are able to choose their own vet and organise the time of the visit. Keepers pay their vet and then submit a claim through the scheme.
During the visit, the vet will consider biosecurity risks on the site, outline where changes could reduce disease risk, provide tailored advice to what a keeper can act on as well as outline all of their comments in a written report, which can then be kept for future reference.
Funding and timescales
You’ll receive £430 per review to help cover the cost of the visit. You can apply via: GOV.UK | Poultry Biosecurity Review funding
All funded visits must be completed by 31 December 2028, and claims must be submitted by 31 March 2029.
Defra is seeking to understand the value of the scheme and is asking eligible poultry keepers who don't apply for funding to take part in a survey. Information captured will also inform decisions about its future development. The survey will take no longer than 10 minutes to complete – take the survey.
