Feature: Defra Raises Payments for Farm Vet Visits in Bid to Boost Animal Health and Welfare

Farmers in England are set to receive significantly higher payments for veterinary visits from January 2026, as Defra moves to strengthen animal health, improve welfare standards, and ensure vets are properly compensated for the time and expertise required on farm. The uplift — averaging 16% across all livestock sectors — marks one of the most substantial increases since the Animal Health and Welfare Review was launched.

From 22 January 2026, the new rates will apply to both the core Animal Health and Welfare Review and the optional endemic disease follow‑up visit. Any eligible visit carried out on or after that date will automatically be paid at the higher rate. Defra says the increase reflects rising veterinary and on‑farm costs, as well as inflationary pressures that have made it harder for farmers to access high‑quality, vet‑led support.

For many livestock keepers, the uplift will be welcome news. Pig producers, for example, will see their review payment rise from £557 to £648, while the follow‑up visit — which focuses on tackling specific endemic diseases — will jump to £1,087. Beef and dairy farmers will also benefit from sizeable increases, with sheep producers seeing one of the largest proportional rises.

Defra’s intention is clear: to encourage more farmers to take up the scheme and to ensure vets can spend sufficient time on farm delivering meaningful, practical advice. The review programme is designed to support early disease detection, improve biosecurity, and reduce long‑term health problems — all of which contribute to more resilient, productive livestock systems.

Farmers already enrolled in an Improve Animal Health and Welfare agreement will not need to take any action. The Rural Payments Agency will automatically update existing agreements to reflect the new funding levels. Those not yet signed up will need to apply before arranging a visit, with eligibility set at a minimum of 11 cattle, 21 sheep or 51 pigs.

A typical review involves a comprehensive on‑farm assessment by a vet chosen by the farmer. This includes examining animal condition, housing, nutrition, water provision, handling systems, and medicine use — including antibiotics. Vets also assess disease risks, review biosecurity measures, and carry out required testing for specific endemic diseases. Farmers then receive a written summary with clear recommendations and a practical plan for improvement.

The optional follow‑up visit builds on this foundation, focusing on controlling specific diseases affecting the herd or flock. Vets review test results, evaluate how current disease‑control measures are working, and agree a targeted plan to reduce risk and improve long‑term health outcomes. The aim is to ensure that changes made after the initial review are effective, sustainable, and tailored to each farm’s needs.

Defra ministers say the increased payments will help widen uptake, strengthen disease prevention, and support higher welfare standards across the sector. With livestock producers facing ongoing challenges — from rising input costs to disease pressures — the government hopes the enhanced funding will make vet‑led support more accessible and more impactful.