DETECTION of avian influenza (H5N1) in a sheep in Yorkshire is a reminder for all farms to maintain tight biosecurity, particularly on farms with mixed poultry and livestock.

Although UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss says the risk to livestock remains low, she urges all animal owners to have ‘scrupulous cleanliness in place’ and to report any signs of infection to the Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA) immediately.

While this is the first time this virus has been reported in a sheep, it is not the first instance of influenza of avian origin being detected in livestock, with cases of infection in dairy cows reported in the US.

However, Dr Middlemiss is urging all livestock keepers to remain vigilant to the clinical signs of avian influenza following recent outbreaks.

“All keepers must maintain good biosecurity which is essential to protect the health and welfare of their animals and critical to preventing the further spread of disease in the event of an outbreak,” she said.

Nigel Bennet, Livestock Area Manager Northern Europe at biosecurity specialists Roam Technology, which recently incorporated Biocidas Biodegradables Zix (BBZix), a Spanish biosecurity specialist, into its business, says every farm should be reviewing and strengthening its biosecurity protocols.

“Prevention is our strongest defence. This means restricting unnecessary visitors, disinfecting clothing and equipment, and closely monitoring animal health.”

He has outlined seven key areas farmers should be aware of to maximise their frontline defences. They include:

Develop a biosecurity plan: Work with your vet to establish a clear biosecurity plan, including physical barriers, hygiene protocols, and emergency procedures.
Cleaning and disinfection: Thoroughly clean and disinfect all vehicles, boots, equipment, and housing using DEFRA-approved disinfectants. Visitors should use foot baths and dedicated protective clothing. Roam Technology’s Huwa-San TR50, a DEFRA-approved disinfectant, offers a powerful, stabilised hydrogen peroxide solution that provides long-lasting protection against harmful pathogens.
Monitor farm access: Restrict and track visitor access to minimise disease risks. Designate parking away from livestock, use wheel washes, and ensure tradespeople follow hygiene protocols. Mr Bennet says: “A farm should not be an open-door environment—every entry point carries risk.”
Quarantine: New or returning stock must be quarantined for at least 21 days, housed separately, and monitored for disease. Use this period for testing and vaccination before integration.
Rodent and wildlife management: Secure feed storage and effective pest control help prevent disease transmission from wildlife. Maintain fencing to reduce contact with infected animals and minimise standing water to control disease-spreading insects.
Optimise housing: Ensure good ventilation, clean high-traffic areas, and maintain water hygiene.
Monitoring: Daily health checks help detect disease early and prevent outbreaks. “Knowing your animals and spotting illness early is crucial for disease control,” said Mr Bennet. “Stay vigilant and keep biosecurity tight.”
Mr Bennet added: “This case of H5N1 in sheep highlights the need for constant vigilance. Biosecurity isn’t just about responding to outbreaks; it should be a year-round priority to protect farm businesses and animal welfare.

“Farmers must remain proactive in safeguarding their livestock from potential disease threats. With the right biosecurity measures and effective solutions like Huwa-San TR-50 and Roam Eco Power cleaning solution, we can protect both animal health and farm livelihoods,” he said.

Avian influenza is notifiable in all poultry and other captive birds and influenza of avian origin is notifiable in both kept and wild mammals. If you suspect your animals are infected report it immediately to the APHA by calling 0300 303 8268 in Wales .

PRESELI Pembrokeshire Senedd Member Paul Davies has raised concerns over the latest
Bovine TB statistics published by the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food
& Rural Affairs.

The latest statistics show that 4,580 cattle were slaughtered in 2024, a 24.11% increase on
the previous year’s figure of 3,690.
 
The total number of cattle slaughtered in Wales was 13,034.
 
Mr Davies said, “The latest Bovine TB statistics show that more and more cattle are being
slaughtered in Pembrokeshire and it’s a huge concern.”
 
“The figures show the Welsh Government’s policy for tackling Bovine TB simply isn’t working
and a more holistic approach must be considered.”
 
“Bovine TB has plagued farmers in Pembrokeshire for years, at a huge economic and
emotional cost.”
 
“Cattle cannot continue to be slaughtered in their thousands, it’s not sustainable and farmers
are right to be angry about these latest statistics.”

A PEMBROKESHIRE solar farm scheme, which would provide power for nearly 3,300 homes, has been put on hold once again, after previously being deferred for a site visit.

In an application listed at Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee meeting of March 18, members were recommended to approve a scheme by Wessex Solar Energy (WSE Pembrokeshire Ltd) for a 9.99MW solar farm and associated works at Lower Nash Farm, near Pembroke Dock.

The proposed scheme would be spread over three fields, amounting to approximately 14 hectares with some 25,000 PV panels on site, some 120 metres from the national park.

The scheme was previously deferred from the February meeting so members could visit the site after concerns were raised about the loss of the most valuable agricultural land.

The development, some of it on Best and Most Versatile (BMV) Agricultural land, would provide approximately 3,296 households with renewable energy annually, members have previously heard.

A larger 22MW scheme covering 34.25ha was previously refused in 2021 due to the effect on BMV land.

Planning Policy Wales (PPW) requires that BMV agricultural land “should be conserved as a finite resource for the future with considerable weight given to protecting it from development,” adding: “Such land should only be developed if there is an overriding need for the scheme and either previously developed land or land in lower agricultural grades are unavailable.”

Welsh Government Soil Policy & Agricultural Land Use Planning Unit has objected to the latest scheme on BMV grounds, saying the return to agriculture as BMV agricultural land is “…seldom practicable”.

Four objections to the scheme were received, with local community council Cosheston raising concerns about the use of BMV land.

At the February meeting, agent Charlotte Peacock was questioned about the use of the BMV land by committee chair Cllr Simon Hancock, who said: “Farming and agriculture are fundamental to the security of this country; the way that the population is increasing we really need to ensure farmland is protected.”

The agent said the farmer landowner would receive a guaranteed income which would be more reliable than crop values, adding: “The greatest threat to future security is climate change, the single biggest threat to our output of crops.”

Local member Cllr Tessa Hodgson, as a public speaker, successfully called for a site visit before any decision was made saying it was “surely better to use poorer land and brownfield sites” for such developments,” adding: “Does the permanent loss of prime agricultural land outweigh the benefit of renewable energy?”

At the start of the March meeting, members were told the scheme had been temporarily withdrawn due to issue with the publicity of an environmental statement accompanying the application; the proposal expected to now be considered at the April meeting.