Each year we make visits to farms in Shropshire.
During these inspections, we check the farm records for:
- Livestock movements, births and deaths.
- Transport records.
- Cattle Passports.
- Medicine records.
We try and ensure the highest possible standards of disease control and animal welfare, by:
- Inspecting livestock.
- 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 spaceallowance meet required standards.
- Advising on Codes of Good Practice for the Welfare of Livestock.
- Advising on Bio-security.
We check farm records and ensure they are adequate for traceability which is vital for notifiable disease control.
Farm animals are identified by ear tags. Identification is vital for meat entering the food chain, so that its origin can be traced. There are controls in place for replacing lost or illegible identification.
Above all we undertake these visits for three key reasons.
Firstly, we remain in contact, and are there to help inform Agriculture businesses, and so aid the Rural Economy.
Secondly, wherever we find there is a need to put in place a requirement that has not been met, we can make sure the business becomes compliant with controlling legislation, and therefore improve it in relation to Animal Health and Welfare controls.
Thirdly, in helping our Rural Businesses comply with legislation, we help that business avoid unnecessary financial penalties, such as Single Farm Payment Penalties and of course legislative sanctions.