NFU Mutual has partnered with leading biosecurity solutions provider, Livetec Systems, to help UK poultry producers better prepare for, and recover from, disease outbreaks.
Following a challenging winter of Avian Influenza (AI) outbreaks, Livetec is providing accurate, farm-specific costings for cleaning and disinfection (C&D) – crucial data that supports both proactive disease planning and accurate insurance cover.
Adam Williams, NFU Mutual’s animal disease portfolio manager, explains that these insights help producers reduce downtime, return to production faster, and limit the financial impact of an AI outbreak
“As one of the only insurers still offering AI cover in the UK, it’s vital we support poultry producers with the most up-to-date, actionable data to manage the financial risks of disease outbreaks,” he says.
Commissioned by NFU Mutual, Livetec’s report draws on its operational data from handling recent AI outbreaks on UK farms, evolving legislation and input from APHA (Animal Plant and Health Agency).
It details the cost of C&D and assumptions across a range of poultry production systems – enabling producers to better plan, meet regulatory requirements, and avoid unnecessary delays during recovery, explains Mr Williams.
“As biosecurity specialists, Livetec’s expertise is invaluable,” he says.
“Their input not only equips our agents with tools better inform producers, but also improves how we assess risk, calculate premiums, and ensure adequate protection.”
While the UK poultry sector benefits from strong biosecurity measures, highly pathogenic strains of AI remain a persistent threat.
“By working closely with Livetec, we’re supporting the sector’s ability to respond effectively and stay resilient,” Mr Williams adds.
Proactive planning essential
Livetec’s report findings further highlight the financial value of forward planning – not just to mitigate disease risk, but to manage recovery costs effectively.
Julian Sparrey, group technical director at Livetec, explains that the report details the cost savings that can be achieved for a variety of UK poultry systems, from modern broiler sheds to older free-range units.
“It offers practical, cost-effective solutions to help producers manage the real costs of cleaning and disinfection after an outbreak, and demonstrates the savings that can be achieved through well-designed infrastructure and efficient waste handling,” he explains.
“Newer systems, for example, are not only easier to clean but significantly reduce the time and expense involved in waste removal and water management.”
Looking ahead, both NFU Mutual and Livetec are committed to ensuring poultry producers have access to expert guidance, tailored insurance solutions, and proactive risk mitigation strategies.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the long-term resilience of the UK poultry sector through education, planning, and knowledge-sharing,” Mr Sparrey concludes.
For more information on the updated C&D costings, disease preparedness, or NFU Mutual’s Avian Influenza insurance policies, poultry producers can reach out to their local NFU Mutual agents.
