This programme, for all livestock farmers, is set to start in Spring 2022 with a vet visit paid for by the government when they will undertake a health and welfare review of the farm, including diagnostic testing. The initial focus will be on improving disease prevention and controlling or eradicating an industry agreed list of diseases in each species.
After the first step, farmers will be supported by Animal Health and Welfare grants which will be launched later in 2022. More detail will be available next month.
A payment by results programme is also in the planning stages, which will reward farmers for achieving higher welfare outcomes by supporting the ongoing costs involved in delivery.
More information can be found on Defra's blog