Technical updates:
What you need to know

- Pathway integration

- VMR regulations

- Improving your animal health plan

Recognising the DEFRA Animal Health and Welfare Pathway in Beef & Lamb standards  

From February 2025 will be integrating the principles of the DEFRA Animal Health and Welfare Pathway into several of our Beef & Lamb Standards.

Red Tractor fully supports Pathway's core purpose which is to support farmers in safeguarding the health and welfare of their animals while enhancing existing practices. It focuses on promoting sustainable farming practices, improving animal wellbeing, and ensuring a thriving, resilient livestock industry.

This update also highlights our commitment to reducing duplication by recognising a Pathway visit, helping farmers access tools, guidance, and support to meet these goals and to continue meeting the expectations of consumers, retailers, and global markets

This is a positive move forward as the pathway's core purpose is to support farmers in safeguarding the health and welfare of their animals while enhancing existing practices.

The revised standards:

Animal Health and Welfare:

AH.1.1 A written annual livestock health and performance review must be undertaken by the nominated vet or a vet from the nominated vet practice OR evidence of a DEFRA Health and Welfare annual review visit (Pathway) within the last 12 months.  
AH.1.2 BVD eradication must be managed as detailed in the herd health plan OR evidence of a DEFRA Health and Welfare annual review visit (Pathway) within the last 12 months. 
AH.2 Records of the health and performance of livestock must be maintained OR evidence of a DEFRA Health and Welfare annual review visit (Pathway) within the last 12 months.

Biosecurity and Disease Control:

BI.1 A documented Biosecurity Policy must be in place OR evidence of a DEFRA Health and Welfare annual review visit (Pathway) within the last 12 months

For more information about the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, visit Animal Health and Welfare Pathway - GOV.UK. 

Keeping up to date with Veterinary Medicine Regulations (VMR)

Recent legislative changes to the UK’s veterinary medicine practices apply to all veterinary medicines prescribed to all animals. The agriculture sector must respond to these changes.

Aimed at combatting antimicrobial resistance, key updates include stricter rules on the prophylactic (preventative) use of antibiotics, prohibiting their use apart from in exceptional cases supported by veterinary justification. There are also enhanced record-keeping requirements for vets prescribing medication, intended to promote transparency and evidence-based practices. Additionally, new protocols have been introduced for online dispensaries, written prescriptions, and withdrawal periods for medicines used in food-producing animals.

This update to the VMR represents the biggest change to our legislation on veterinary medicines since 2013 and supports our stakeholders by removing unnecessary burden, whilst ensuring we have the oversight we need to protect our animals, our public health and our environment.

As a result, we've made a few minor adjustments to the animal medicines standards in our livestock Schemes. These changes, effective from 1 February 2025 align with the revised Regulations that came into effect in May 2024 and help demonstrate the industry’s commitment to responsible antibiotic use.

While your on-farm actions/practices may not need adjustment, the new rules could affect how medicines are prescribed. So, staying informed to stay compliant is important.

What this means for you:

Assessors will now check that prescriptions for medicated feed include essential details such as the ID of the animals being treated, the amount of feed prescribed, and the diagnosed condition being treated or prevented. They will also confirm that the medicated feed has been used exactly as outlined in the prescription.
The use of antibiotics for prophylaxis (preventing disease) will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances, in line with the new legislation. Exceptional circumstances mean cases where the risk of infection is very high and the potential consequences of not using the antibiotics could be severe.
Assessors will check for the vet’s documented rationale for any antibiotics prescribed for prophylactic use. This documentation could take various forms, such as:
an email or note from your vet
details included on a written prescription or purchase record
information stored in the vet's clinical notes (with a summary provided to you ahead of your audit)
inclusion in your farm’s health plan or management review (for group prophylaxis).
If antibiotics are prescribed for group disease prevention, the assessor will ask to see a vet's management review. This must identify farm-specific disease risks and outline controls like vaccination, biosecurity, hygiene, nutrition, or husbandry to reduce future antibiotic use.

Reminder:

All updates to standards and guidance are developed in close collaboration with a wide range of partners, including scientific and veterinary experts. Red Tractor will work with assessors to ensure consistent application of the updated standards during assessments across all sectors.

This partnership approach ensures the standards reflect both practical on-farm realities, best practices in animal health and welfare management and changing legislation.

Click here to see in more detail the standards that are changing in February 2025

Making your animal health plan work for you

An effective animal health plan is a powerful tool for improving animal health, welfare, and farm productivity.

Rather than being a "tick-box" exercise, a well-crafted health plan is tailored to your farm's specific needs and offers actionable insights for ongoing improvement. It’s an opportunity to collaborate with your vet to address challenges, set goals, and enhance overall farm efficiency.

For many farms with livestock, regular contact with the vet often means ongoing conversations about herd/flock health. However, for beef and sheep enterprises, the annual health plan review may be one of the few dedicated opportunities to discuss health, welfare, and productivity with your vet. This makes it more important to ensure your health plan reflects your farm’s unique circumstances and serves as a meaningful management tool.

By reviewing the past year’s data, you and your vet can identify areas where losses occurred, pinpoint their causes, and develop practical, cost-effective solutions that fit your operation. Having records readily available makes this process smoother and also ensures the health plan remains valuable throughout the year.

Why a Strong Health Plan Matters:

Proactive Welfare Assurance: It demonstrates your commitment to animal welfare and shows you’re fulfilling your responsibilities.
Consumer Trust: End consumers expect farms to have robust welfare practices—your health plan is part of delivering that confidence.
Economic Benefit: Better disease control and prevention mean healthier animals, improved productivity, and greater profitability.

Don’t overlook the importance of proper documentation - one of the most common non-conformances in the Beef and Lamb sector is health plans and performance reviews not being signed by a vet, accounting for 17% of reported non-conformances each year.

With a farm-specific, actionable health plan, you’re not just meeting standards—you’re setting your operation up for better welfare, productivity, and profitability.