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 .

£2 million funding and new expert group to lead the next phase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced new steps to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animals, including £2 million in funding and the creation of a new expert group to guide future work.

The announcement follows the final review of the 2019–2024 AMR in Animals and the Environment Implementation Plan, Wales’ first coordinated approach to tackling resistance in the animal and environmental sectors.

A new Wales AMR Animal Health Group has been set up to provide expert advice and support the development of the next five-year plan. The new strategy – the Animal AMR Control Plan for Wales (2025–2029) – will be aligned with the UK National Action Plan and continue to follow a ‘One Health’ approach, linking public health, animal health and the environment.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:
“To support our plans, I have awarded £2 million of funding to the Arwain DGC (Defnydd Gwrthfaicrobaidd Cyfrifol) consortium.
“Arwain have a proven track record in delivering effective controls. This new phase will allow us to continue positioning Wales as a world leader in tackling AMR and promoting the responsible use of antibiotics.
“This investment will support vital monitoring, training and engagement work, helping to make sure antibiotics remain effective for future generations.”

The funding will support phase three of the Arwain programme, which will include:

Continuing the Veterinary Prescribing Champions Network across 44 Welsh veterinary practices

Collecting antimicrobial usage data from at least 4,500 Welsh farms

On-farm sampling to monitor AMR in cattle and sheep

Creating a new AMR Academy to provide training for vets and farmers

Wales’ Chief Veterinary Officer, Richard Irvine, said the risks of antimicrobial resistance continue to grow: “The effects of AMR are disruptive and costly, not just for animal keepers and vets, but for wider society.
“Drug-resistant organisms pose direct risks to both animals and people, and can spread through the environment. That’s why our One Health approach is so important.”

The Welsh Government said tackling AMR is not something government can do alone, and urged vets and animal keepers to work together to help meet Wales’ targets on antimicrobial resistance.

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.”