DEFRA has opened applications for funded Poultry Biosecurity Reviews, giving eligible poultry businesses access to site-specific veterinary advice on disease prevention and flock protection.
The scheme forms part of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway and is designed to help poultry keepers strengthen biosecurity against avian influenza, which Defra said remains a serious risk to poultry businesses in England.
Under the offer, keepers can choose their own vet, arrange a visit once a Poultry Biosecurity Review agreement is in place, pay the vet directly and then claim £430 per review through the scheme.
The NFU said the reviews are intended to provide “tailored practical advice” for individual farms rather than generic guidance, with vets assessing site-specific risks and identifying where changes could reduce disease pressure.
To qualify, applicants must be responsible for the day-to-day care or welfare of the birds, have a Single Business Identifier linked to registered County Parish Holding numbers in England, and operate a poultry site registered in England. They do not need to own the birds.
Flock thresholds
Eligible sites must meet minimum flock thresholds of 1,000 or more chickens — including breeders, broilers, egg layers and pullets — or 500 or more ducks, geese or turkeys. Species numbers cannot be combined to reach the threshold.
Each eligible site must be in a separate CPH. Businesses can claim for up to three reviews per site, provided at least 10 months has passed since the previous review at that site. Reviews can also take place when a site is empty, provided the vet assesses its capacity to hold the relevant minimum number of birds.
During a review, the vet is expected to assess biosecurity risks across areas including infrastructure and location, site organisation, visitors and personnel, hygiene locks, buying-in of poultry, depopulation and off-farm bird movements, egg transport and management, feed and water supply, manure and carcass removal, disease management, cleaning and disinfection, and measures between compartments and houses.
Recommendations
The review is complete once the vet has carried out the biosecurity assessment, completed the official Poultry Biosecurity Review vet summary sheet, and produced a written report for the keeper setting out the assessment and recommended actions. Defra and the Rural Payments Agency will not ask to see the written report, although the RPA may request the vet summary when processing a claim.
Applications for agreements close on 30 September 2028. All funded visits must be completed by 31 December 2028, with claims submitted by 31 March 2029.
Defra is also hosting a webinar on 18 June at 11am to explain the scheme and answer questions from keepers before they apply
