With a new veterinary attestation rule being introduced from 13th December, Defra are urging non-assured UK livestock farmers to take steps now to obtain a signed declaration from their vet. These regulatory changes were originally planned to take effect on 13th December 2022 but were delayed by a year to allow farmers more time to prepare.
From 13th December 2023 a Statutory Health Attestation will be required to certify exports of POAO (Products of Animal Origin) to the EU. This replaces the current practice of farmer declarations of a ‘regular vet visit’ being used as a source of evidence for the certification.
The Export Health Certificates (EHCs) require that the animals’ farm of origin has undergone regular animal health checks conducted by qualified vets at least once during a 12-month period. The veterinary attestation template which can be downloaded here should be completed and signed by your vet. A copy of this declaration must be kept, and a copy provided for livestock markets or meat processors if requested.
Farm assurance schemes
If you are part of an approved farm assurance scheme you do not need to take any further action as your participation already meets the requirement for a veterinary visit. Schemes currently approved are:
- Red Tractor
- Farm Assured Welsh Livestock Beef and Lamb Scheme (FAWL) and Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers Ltd (WLBP)
SFI Annual Health and Welfare Review
If your farm has had an annual health and welfare review as part of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway (AHWP), then this visit also fulfils the necessary requirements. A receipt from your visit should be kept as evidence, as official vets certifying goods for export do not have any access to the AHWP database.
Farmer declarations can continue to be used as a source of evidence for the certification of the ‘regular vet visit’ until 13th December 2023. After this date, certification will be required from the membership of a qualifying farm assurance scheme or via a valid veterinary declaration.
Find out more about the veterinary declaration here: Veterinary declaration for animal health visits – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Find out more about the SFI annual health and welfare review here: SFI annual health and welfare review – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
