Farm inspection

We have a programme of planned visits to farms. During these inspections, we check livestock records for:

• Disease control and tracing.
• Farm movements.
• Transport.
• Breeding, births, deaths and Cattle Passports.
• Use of medicines.
Retention and correct use of Animal Movement Licences. Details of animal by-products (carcasses).

We try and ensure the highest possible standards of disease control and animal welfare, by:

• Inspecting livestock for signs of disease.
• Ensuring that any sick or injured animals are cared for promptly.
• Checking that livestock have access to adequate feed and water.
Inspecting buildings to ensure that ventilation, lighting and space allowance meet required standards.
• Advising on Codes of Good Practice for the Welfare of Livestock.
• Bio-security.

We check Identification for traceability which is vital for notifiable disease control – BSE, Bovine Tuberculosis and Foot and Mouth etc. The main way of identifying animals is by ear tags, which have to be applied after certain time periods in the case of cows and sheep and before movement of other livestock. Identification is also vital for meat entering the food chain, so that its origin can be traced. There are also strict controls in place for replacing lost or illegible identification.

We advise on Bio-security, which is the cleanliness of the farm itself its, buildings, equipment including vehicles and any isolation facilities. By following the law and best practice, the possibility of the spread of any disease is reduced.

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