On 2 June 2026, Defra announced the latest development in the longstanding Animal Health and Welfare Pathway offer. The latest offering focuses on poultry biosecurity reviews with a vet to tackle the ongoing challenge of avian influenza (bird flu). These visits focus on biosecurity support in the form of tailored practical advice 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 will host a webinar on 18 June at 11am, outlining more about the offer. Register for the webinar via: Eventbrite | New funded poultry biosecurity reviews
