04 November 2025
The latest fully funded Animal Health and Welfare training workshop, delivered by local vet practices under the Farming Connect programme will concentrate on disease management through vaccination.
Proactive, science-based vaccination is important in effective cattle disease management, which works by building herd immunity, which not only prevents, controls, and eradicates infectious diseases but improves animal health and productivity. It supports better economic stability for farmers, reducing the reliance on antibiotics and ensuring the safety and quality of meat and dairy products.
The workshop will support participants to know their herd's disease status through monitoring, testing, and accreditation, that is the foundation for biosecurity. It will highlight how strategic vaccination will help profitability and animal welfare as well as providing practical instructions on vaccine storage, administration protocols and the difference between a primary course and a booster.
Surveillance testing in herds involves regular monitoring for diseases to detect and prevent outbreaks (using milk or blood) to detect statutory and endemic diseases (like TB, BVD, and Johne’s). This diagnostic work supports CHeCS-licensed accreditation schemes, which provide a certified high-health status. In these schemes, strategic vaccination is crucial for controlling and eradicating target diseases.
The workshop will also cover the importance of good biosecurity, how this prevents disease spread, protects animals, farm assets, and human health from zoonotic risks. Vaccination strengthens immunity, which limits pathogen spread, protects vulnerable stock, and reduces animal suffering. Preventing outbreaks and improving herd health ensures a healthier food supply, and is vital for reducing antibiotic use.
Workshop attendance will be logged on the attendee's 'Storfa Sgiliau' CPD record along with a Lantra Awards 'certificate of attendance'.
The training workshops are fully funded but to qualify for that funding, all attendees must be registered with Farming Connect and complete a Personal Development Plan (PDP). For more information on training workshops, click here!
For dates and details of upcoming workshops visit the Farming Connect website or contact your local development officer to find out more.