Breeds at risk

During an outbreak of exotic notifiable animal disease, it may be necessary to cull animals to control disease spread. Animals on the UK breeds at risk list may be spared from the cull to preserve their genetic resource.

For a breed to be included on the UK list of breeds at particular risk in the event of an exotic disease outbreak it must:

• Be a native breed
• Be eligible for inclusion in the UK National Breed Inventory
• Have a population of breeding females below
  • 3,000 for cattle
  • 3,000 for sheep
  • 1,500 for pigs
• Have a recognised breed society, which submits census or registration statistics to Defra annually

What breeds are at risk?

Check which native farm animal breeds are considered to be at particular risk (in the event of an outbreak of exotic disease) on the GOV.UK website.

• Cattle
• Sheep
• Pigs

Why should I register breeds at risk? 

During an outbreak of exotic notifiable animal disease, it may be necessary to cull animals to control disease spread.

These animals may be on infected premises, on dangerous contact premises or any other premises where the UK Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) authorises culling to contain the disease.

Animals on the UK breeds at risk list may be spared from the cull to preserve their genetic resource, if it does not compromise work to control the disease. However, animals need to be registered before an outbreak occurs.

A derogation from culling is not granted automatically.

The decision to spare animals is made on a case-by-case basis and depends on an individual veterinary risk assessment. If the animals are important for the conservation of the breed or as a genetic resource, it may be considered.

If you keep livestock breeds that are on the breeds at risk list, register them with APHA and the breed society.

How do I register my breeds at risk with APHA?

Complete the breeds at risk registration form and return it to the APHA by email or post.

Email: breedsatriskregister@apha.gov.uk

Post: APHA, Business Support and Resilience, Lutra House, Dodd Way, Preston, Lancashire PR5 8BX.

You also need to ensure that your animals are registered with the appropriate breed society.

Useful resources