Government issues funding to combat livestock disease
By Rob Blair, Partner and ARA specialist
Livestock disease poses significant challenges to the farming industry, impacting animal health, welfare, and productivity.
However, the Government and the farming industry are continuing to take steps to combat this issue.
Investing in the fight against livestock disease
The Government has recently announced an investment of £9 million in the fight against endemic livestock diseases.
This funding is part of phase two of the ground-breaking endemic livestock disease initiative, developed by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Defra.
The initiative, which commenced in 2021, aims to transform the livestock sector by reducing the burden of endemic diseases on animal health and welfare.
The goal is to deliver innovative on-farm solutions that will effectively control the impact of endemic diseases on the livestock sector.
Progress and future plans
To date, the initiative has successfully created 45 new industry partnerships. It has engaged with over 170 end-users, including farmers, veterinarians, and policymakers, to ensure that the research outcomes directly address their practical needs.
Phase two of the initiative is set to kickstart this summer, with a total of 14 ambitious projects receiving funding.
These projects span the breadth of the livestock sector, encompassing pigs, poultry, beef, sheep, and dairy. Of particular note is the significant emphasis on digital agriculture and machine learning, with nine of the projects incorporating cutting-edge technologies to advance disease monitoring, diagnosis, and prevention.
How farmers can benefit
This initiative represents a significant opportunity for farmers. By working with researchers and policymakers, farmers can gain access to the latest research and innovative solutions to combat livestock disease. The emphasis on digital agriculture and machine learning means that farmers will be able to use advanced technologies to monitor, diagnose, and prevent diseases, enhancing the health and productivity of their livestock.
The investment in research and the development of innovative solutions promises to bring about advancements in disease control. As these initiatives continue to unfold, farmers are encouraged to engage with them, use the resources and knowledge available to protect their livestock and enhance their farming practices.
For any assistance with financial planning and management when combatting livestock disease, please contact us today.