COVID-19 - ENGLAND ONLY Updated 1.04.2020
Frequently Asked Questions – Livestock (latest updates in italics, please note this is upto date as at 1.4.20, check links for further guidance or updates)
These FAQ’s have been compiled by members of the National Animal Health and Welfare Panel to assist local authorities in answering any questions raised. This is based on the opinion of the authors and is not a definitive interpretation of the law which only a court can give.
At all times, consideration MUST be given to the public health advice released by Government and guidance relating to business closures issued by OPSS.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance
Are Livestock Markets allowed to be open?
At present there is guidance that has been circulated via the LAA with regards the permitted continuation of livestock markets.
https://www.laa.co.uk/news/3989/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-to-members-and-farmers/
There has been email correspondence from the NAHWP between Defra and APHA with regards this and further advice and formal guidance for Local Authorities has been requested. Further updates will be given once received.
Can people with sheep on common land move them?
Yes, it is considered that this will be business as usual for most keepers who keep sheep on common land as such, subject to implementing public health controls relating to social distancing, this can continue.
The business involved in the movement of sheep is not subject to the closure restrictions as detailed in the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020, they can continue operating and they are permitted to travel for the purposes of work (Regulation 6 (2) (f) ) as this is in the spirit of the principals of Regulation 5 (1) (a).
Who are key workers in the food supply chain?
Critical Workers are listed by the government and include those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery, as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods.
Farmers are essential to the food supply chain as such any person undertaking an activity involved in the agricultural industry for protecting the supply chain would be deemed as a key worker. Examples may include livestock hauliers, animal by product collectors, those who work in slaughter premises, feed suppliers and poultry catchers. This is not an exhaustive list and there will be other roles in the agriculture sector that will be additionally classed as key workers.
Can people attend to their livestock if they live away from where they are kept?
Yes, it is considered that as the owner or keeper of an animal, there is a statutory duty of care with regards Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, as such, taking into consideration this legal obligation, this is permitted in accordance with Regulation 6 (2) (h) of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020.
Is TB Testing still continuing?
Latest guidance published 30.03.2020.
https://tbhub.co.uk/tb-testing-and-control-measures-in-cattle-in-gb-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/.
There are currently no plans to cancel any statutory requirements for TB testing – this includes the requirements for pre and post movement testing. APHA is continuing to closely monitor the situation, and adjustments to TB testing instructions may be made as appropriate. Further details will follow as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses.
Can people continue to collect weaner / orphan lambs / store animals?
Yes, it is considered that as the owner or keeper of an animal, there is a statutory duty of care with regards Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, as such, taking into consideration this legal obligation, this is permitted in accordance with Regulation 6 (2) (h) of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020.
What can people do if they are taken ill and not in a position to look after their animals?
In the first instance contact must be made with the APHA
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/animal-and-plant-health-agency/about/access-and-opening
Guidance has been produced by Defra giving advice for people with animals.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-people-with-animals
With the risk of spread of the Coronavirus, do the paper movement documents have to be sent with the animals?
The legal requirements for cattle passports or movement documents for sheep, goats and pigs has not changed.
It is suggested that all public health precautions regarding hand washing are followed when handling the documents and gloves may be worn as a protective measure.
As an alternative, movement documents for sheep, goats and pigs may be electronically completed and forwarded electronically to the transporter or the buyer for retention on their mobile phones rather than physically handling a paper document.
What are the rules for keepers that would like to undertake home slaughter?
You can slaughter your own livestock animal on your farm or property if it will be eaten by you and your family. However you must adhere to the legal requirements set out in the Home slaughter of livestock guide England and Wales.
Guidance on home slaughter can also be found on the business companion website at: https://www.businesscompanion.info/en/quick-guides/animals-and-agriculture/home-slaughter-for-private-consumption-s
Following the introduction of the Covid 19 restrictions what areas of work are APHA currently undertaking or prioritising?
Please see appendix A at end of article.
What organisations can I refer livestock keepers to that may be struggling as a result of Covid 19 or the restriction’s?
Livestock keepers can access free, impartial and confidential support from the following organisations by using the following helplines:
Farming Help number (03000 111999) https://www.farminghelp.co.uk/ or The Farming Community Network (FCN) Website: www.fcn.org.uk
You Are Not Alone (YANA) Website: www.yanahelp.org National Directory of Rural Support Groups Phone: 0300 323 0400
Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN) Website: www.lrsn.co.uk
Phone: 0800 138 1710
The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), Website: www.rabi.org.uk
Phone: 0808 281 9490
Samaritans Website: www.samaritans.org
Phone: 116 123
Mind Website: www.mind.org.uk
Phone: 0300 123 3393
Appendix A - APHA Priorities
Highest priority
Exotic notifiable disease (report and consultation cases). Includes Defra Rural Helpline & CAD Vets, VENDU, Duty vet and out of office hours rotas / standby vets – or the ability to stop and become one at short notice. Undertake Immediate and Urgent veterinary Inquiries. (e.g. FMD, Avian Influenza, CSF report cases)
Response to outbreaks and major incidents (confirmed disease etc).
High priority Welfare Complaints and follow up visits (any covered species) – (Priority 1).
Any non-compliance/enforcement activity being taken under animal health & welfare legislation (e.g. TB enforced tests, Welfare cases, ABP issues, emerging outbreak concerns etc.) which includes assisting with Local Authority, Defra Investigations & Legal investigations/provision of witness statements and attendance at court.
Response to Emergency Actions & High priority requests for field activity
BSE/TSE investigations (NOTE actual urgency varies between 1 to 3 days depending on BSE/TSE).
Undertake veterinary inquiries for Notifiable disease
TB testing – including Gamma tests which must be done in house.
Broiler trigger reports – investigate all visits with welfare priority 1
Highest risk EMI work including targeted operations, follow ups etc… “high risk / significant outcome" work (enforcement, investigations and court proceedings covered elsewhere)
TB testing – including Overdue tests which must be done in house.
TB case management of TB clusters (both wildlife controls and cattle enhanced measures) in the Low Risk Area (i.e. Shap)
FSA referrals if supported by VRA: Consideration that these reports may increase with some customers looking to send greater number of animals and higher proportion, than previous, of those unfit to travel.
High priority but likely to with reduced resourcing due to national situation
Portal work involving welfare and or disease control and critical active surveillance; Vet checks at Live Animal Border Control Posts (BCPs(, Vet available for Live Exports, Supervised Loadings, High Priority Welfare in Transit; This also includes rotas for out of office hours (OOHs) at all the ports (air and sea).
Higher risk Post Import checks - Cattle / buffalo / horses e.g. from Romania, Italy, etc. EVA, CEM, etc. includes pets (Pet Travel Scheme) URGENT and HIGH - but not pet visits or NI PI brucella tests
All types of approval and registration within target dates, so businesses can operate legally, including industry paid for work e.g. PHS, PRIMO
VMD investigation visits
PME for TB at knacker yards
Area of Work (general description) Undertake field visits
TB Badger Found Dead survey Wales (This work needs to be undertaken immediately but in the event of a major outbreak, the CVO Wales might decide to temporarily suspend the work) TBC
