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ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE

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Key – Those standards which have greater significance (all other standards are normal)

Recommendation – Those which do not affect certification

New – A completely new standard which the member must now adhere to

Revised – A standard that has changed and requires the member to take some different or additional action to before

Upgraded – The standard has been upgraded to a Key standard or from a Recommendation to a full standard

Appendix – Referenced in ‘How you will be measured’. Indicates that additional information is provided in the Appendices, which are available at the end of each section.

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Where to find help – at the end of each section we have indicated where you can get extra guidance if you need it.

Aim:

ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE

DG.AH.1 Key

Standards

A written Health Plan must be established and implemented (REVISED)

How you will be measured

DG.AH.1.a

The plan is signed, dated and reviewed annually by the vet

DG.AH.1.b

The plan is farm specific and updated as and when changes occur

DG.AH.1.c

The plan makes reference to those responsible for livestock and other relevant persons e.g. nutritionist, foot trimmer, nominated vet or nominated vet practice

DG.AH.1.d

The dated plan includes elements prescribed in the Appendix: - biosecurity policy - infectious disease inc. Johnes - vaccination - parasite control - foot care and lameness management - mastitis - metabolic disorders - management of drying off - colostrum policy - husbandry procedures - identifying treated animals - pain relief procedures - dealing with TB reactors - euthanasia

DG.AH.1.e

Plan is easily accessible to all persons involved in the care and management of the stock

Health Plan

DG.AH.1.1

Standards

A written annual livestock health and performance review must be undertaken by the nominated vet or a vet from the nominated vet practice

How you will be measured

DG.AH.1.1.a

Review of records/data taking into account those records maintained throughout the year: Health and Performance data - lameness - mortality records - culling records and reasons for culling - mastitis - disease - parasites Medicine usage data - medicine administration records - medicine collation - antibiotic collation - review use of HP-CIAs - prophylactic treatments - review cascade use -- make recommendations for alternative strategies and reduction where possible

DG.AH.1.1.b

The review is signed and dated by the nominated vet or vet from the nominated vet practice

DG.AH.1.1.c

Provide recommendations for any updates to the Health Plan if required

Health and performance review

DG.AH.1.3

Standards

Johne’s disease must be managed through with the vet as detailed in the health plan

How you will be measured

DG.AH.1.3.a

Plan implemented

DG.AH.2

Standards

Records of the health and performance of livestock must be maintained

How you will be measured

DG.AH.2.a

Records include an annual collation of: - lameness - mastitis - mortality records inc. cause of deaths if known - culling records and reasons for culling - medicine records including reason for treatment - abattoir feedback (where provided and applicable)

Farm records

– Recording tools
– Mortality Records

DG.AH.3

Standards

The nominated vet/vet practice must visit the farm at least annually and see the livestock to check for signs of disease

DG.AH.5

Standards

The health and welfare of livestock must be checked regularly for signs of illness, injury and stress

How you will be measured

DG.AH.5.a

Livestock checks as follows: - at least minimum daily checks for livestock outside, twice daily inside - increased checks for newborns and those about to give birth - flock inspection frequency in extensive, upland areas appropriate to need

DG.AH.6 Key

Standards

Livestock are handled in a manner without frightening and excessive force and not in a way to cause pain and suffering
Refer to Red Tractor Appendix for definition of unacceptable behaviour with regards to livestock handling.

How you will be measured

DG.AH.6.b

Electric goads are not permitted

DG.AH.6.c

Dogs kept under control

DG.AH.6.1

Standards

It is recommended that CCTV is in operation and is used to monitor animal welfare

How you will be measured

DG.AH.6.1.a

CCTV is in operation in the parlour and main handling area.

DG.AH.6.1.b

CCTV is operational.

DG.AH.6.1.c

Footage is recorded and kept for a minimum of 30 days.

DG.AH.6.1.d

A documented procedure is followed with regards to review of the footage and staff training.

DG.AH.6.1.e

Signage is displayed to inform personnel and visitors that CCTV is in use and its purpose.

DG.AH.6.1.f

CCTV Footage is made available for assessment purposes, on request.

CCTV procedure

DG.AH.7 Key

Standards

All persons looking after the health and welfare of livestock must be demonstrably competent

How you will be measured

DG.AH.7.a

All personnel have skills and knowledge in animal husbandry and are aware of unacceptable behaviours

DG.AH.7.b

The member can demonstrate they are confident that any contractors used e.g. foot trimmers, shearers, AI technicians are competent

DG.AH.8 Key

Standards

Sick or injured livestock must receive prompt attention in order that suffering is not prolonged

How you will be measured

DG.AH.8.a

There is evidence of systems in place to ensure sick and injured livestock are identified and managed appropriately. Where required they are promptly treated and/or moved to segregation facilities or humanely euthanased

DG.AH.8.c

If appropriate the vet has been involved

DG.AH.8.d

Evidence in health plan that euthanasia is carried out by a competent person using acceptable methods

DG.AH.8.e

The competent person is available to production sites as soon as possible (normally within 60 minute drive) in order to deal with emergency cases promptly and prevent unnecessary suffering

DG.AH.8.f

Lame goats identified, treated and managed in accordance with the Herd Health Plan.

Euthanasia policy

DG.AH.8.1

Standards

Appropriate facilities must be provided for the segregation of sick and injured livestock, that are managed and maintained in accordance with scheme standards for housing and facilities, feed and water

DG.AH.10

Standards

Goats must be provided with environmental enrichment.