Last week, Livetec Systems was proud to attend the first World Animal Biosecurity Association (WABA) conference, held in Barcelona. With nearly 200 international delegates and more than 90 research submissions, the event has quickly positioned itself as a key platform in shaping the global future of animal health, resilience, and disease prevention.
Representing Livetec were Technical Director, Julian Sparrey, and Biosecurity Advisor, Jack Hughes, both of whom brought practical insight, behavioural expertise, and a clear UK perspective to the two-day event.
A Critical Conversation for the Sector
The WABA conference was born out of the EU-funded BETTER Project – a multi-year collaboration focused on strengthening biosecurity practices across Europe and beyond.
Discussions at the event covered:
- Innovative tools for assessing farm biosecurity
- Shared challenges in both intensive and extensive livestock systems
- The growing role of behavioural science in improving on-farm practices
- Opportunities to align policy, digital technology, and training
The message throughout was consistent: to improve biosecurity, we must support people, not just prescribe rules.
How Livetec Fits In
Livetec has long championed a human-centred approach to biosecurity. Our team has worked directly with farmers, producers, and processors to implement realistic, sustainable improvements that reduce disease risk while supporting productivity and compliance.
Many of the concepts and frameworks discussed at WABA particularly those focused on motivation, behaviour, and data-informed decision-making, which align closely with our own practices.
At Livetec, we:
- Use behavioural models like COM-B which explains that behaviour occurs when capability, opportunity, and motivation align to guide our on-farm support.
- Build digital tools that make compliance easier and training more effective
- Offer clear, real-time data that helps farms and supply chains manage risk
We were encouraged to see these approaches validated on the international stage and even more excited by opportunities to share what we’ve learned.
What’s Next for Livetec and WABA
Beyond the knowledge sharing, WABA 2025 opened important conversations about international collaboration. We’re now exploring opportunities to:
- Support the development of future WABA guidance and frameworks
- Partner with universities and research bodies on UK-led biosecurity studies
- Help shape digital tools for risk reduction and audit burden reduction
- Advocate for practical, evidence-based policy in the UK and abroad
This is about more than attending a conference, it’s about contributing to the future of biosecurity, both on the ground and at the strategic level.
Why It Matters for UK Agriculture
The UK brings a wealth of experience and innovation in disease response and prevention, offering valuable contributions to global biosecurity efforts. WABA presented a meaningful opportunity for the UK to take a more active role in shaping international discussions.
At Livetec, we have seen the impact of strong biosecurity measures and how the right support can help transform challenges into long-term resilience.
As we build new partnerships and contribute to global frameworks, we remain proud to support UK agriculture by providing producers with the tools, insights and guidance they need to protect animal health and ensure a sustainable future for farming.
Want to know more?
If you’re interested in how Livetec’s solutions align with the latest biosecurity thinking, or how we can support your farm or enterprise, get in touch or explore our services here.
