Funded poultry biosecurity reviews now available for English poultry keepers

Published on : 3 Jun 2026

The Poultry Biosecurity Review has been launched through the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway

Poultry keepers in England can now apply for funded veterinary biosecurity reviews under a new Defra scheme aimed at strengthening disease prevention and reducing the risk of avian influenza outbreaks.

The Poultry Biosecurity Review has been launched through the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway following discussions between Defra and the poultry sector on how best to improve farm resilience against avian influenza and other serious diseases.

While existing measures for controlling and eradicating avian influenza will remain in place, both government and industry believe that independent, vet led reviews can help producers identify weaknesses in biosecurity and implement practical improvements to reduce disease risks.

Under the scheme, poultry keepers can choose their own vet and claim £430 for each review. Funding is available for up to three reviews on each eligible poultry site, provided at least 10 months have passed since the previous review.

Applications can be made through Defra's Animal Health and Welfare Pathway service by clicking here.

Applicants will need a Rural Payments Service customer reference number (CRN) and password to access the online service.

The scheme is open to poultry keepers in England responsible for at least 1,000 chickens, including laying hens, broilers, pullets and breeding birds, or at least 500 ducks, geese or turkeys. Eligibility is assessed at poultry site level using the holding's County Parish Holding number. Bird ownership is not required, but the applicant must be responsible for the birds kept on the site.

Each review includes a visit from an RCVS registered veterinary surgeon, a structured biosecurity risk assessment, site specific recommendations, a written report for the keeper and completion of the paperwork required to support payment claims.

The assessments are expected to examine a wide range of biosecurity measures, including site access, visitor controls, hygiene procedures, bird movements, feed and water supplies, egg transport, pest control, cleaning and disinfection, mortality management and disease prevention protocols.

The payment is intended to cover the cost of the veterinary review and the poultry keeper's time. However, it does not fund any infrastructure improvements or equipment upgrades that may be recommended following the assessment.

Defra and industry representatives have stressed the importance of strong uptake, describing the reviews as an opportunity for poultry businesses to receive independent advice tailored to their individual sites while helping strengthen the sector's overall resilience to disease challenges.

Avian influenza continues to present a significant threat to the poultry industry, with outbreaks placing considerable pressure on producers, bird health and welfare, and business continuity. Government officials say improving on farm biosecurity remains one of the most effective tools available for preventing disease outbreaks and limiting their impact.

To support the launch, Defra is hosting a webinar on 18 June for poultry keepers, veterinary practices and industry stakeholders interested in learning more about the scheme, the application process and what the reviews will involve.

Registration is available by clicking here.

Applications for Poultry Biosecurity Review agreements will remain open until 30 September 2028. Reviews must be completed by 31 December 2028, with funding available until the scheme closes on 31 March 2029.

The Poultry Biosecurity Review forms part of the wider Animal Health and Welfare Pathway programme, which aims to improve animal health, welfare and productivity while supporting long term resilience across English livestock sectors.