In the world of livestock farming, disease doesn’t check the calendar. It doesn’t respect borders, weather, or holidays. As the 2024/25 Avian Influenza (AI) season showed, the threat can arrive early, escalate quickly, and linger longer than expected. The only sustainable defence? Biosecurity that’s built into every day of the year.
One season, many lessons
This past AI season defied predictions. While early forecasts suggested a lower-risk year, the reality was starkly different. Wild bird cases dropped very slowly in the spring, with 205 in February, 172 in March, and 109 in April, which was unusual and indicated that the virus was still circulating at high levels in the environment. A surprise H5N5 variant, extended transmission into April, and outbreaks that mirrored historic bird migration routes all proved that assumption is not a strategy.
“Biosecurity isn’t something you switch on and off,” says Dr Paul Talling, Biosecurity Advisor. “It has to be part of your farm’s DNA.”
Housing measures to be lifted – but the risk remains
In light of the improving situation, housing measures for poultry and captive birds in England will be lifted from 00:01 hours on Thursday 15th May 2025.
This is a positive development and a sign of progress, but it is not a signal to let our guard down.
The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will remain in place, and enhanced biosecurity requirements continue to apply across all settings. The risk from avian influenza persists and so must our vigilance.
Mapping the real risk
Livetec’s analysis over multiple seasons has revealed consistent high risk zones, not always aligned with official maps. Birds follow patterns, and so does the virus.
“We could draw our own map based on real outbreaks over the last few years,” Paul adds. “If you’re in those areas, you’re at risk whether APHA says so or not.”
Success through year-round vigilance
Farms that maintained rigorous biosecurity protocols throughout the year even during ‘quiet’ periods saw the payoff. Several Livetec clients in the heart of outbreak zones emerged untouched.
“They did the work before it became urgent,” says Leon Pretorius, Operations Co-Ordination Manager. “That’s why they stayed safe.”
Livetec’s advisory service played a pivotal role in this success. Customised plans, site assessments, and proactive support helped farms implement practices that stood the test when pressure mounted.
Behavioural change and culture shift
The key to success isn’t just equipment, it’s mindset. Farmers who embraced biosecurity as a culture, not a checklist, were better positioned to protect their flocks.
“You can’t wait until you hear about an outbreak to start caring about your foot dips,” Paul says. “By then, it might be too late.”
The Livetec Protect App also helped farmers track wild bird cases and monitor risk levels in real-time, prompting faster reactions and better awareness.
Raising the industry standard
Even farmers outside of Livetec’s customer base have benefited from the industry wide push for stronger biosecurity.
“We’ve been relentless in raising awareness,” says Paul. “Straight-talking advice, clear expectations, and constant reinforcement, it’s making a difference.”
And it’s not just about AI. Strong biosecurity supports better overall flock health, productivity, and financial stability.
Biosecurity, every day
The biggest myth Livetec wants to dispel is that biosecurity is a seasonal concern.
“You can’t prepare overnight,” Leon explains. “The farms that got caught out were often the ones who thought they had time.”
With the lifting of housing measures this week, the temptation to relax is understandable—but misguided. If anything, now is the moment to double down on what works.
As new threats continue to emerge, one thing is certain: proactive protection is the only path forward. With the right knowledge, tools, and mindset, disease doesn’t have to dictate the future.
Livetec’s mission remains clear:
