Northumberland egg producer grows family business with biosecurity-first approach

With avian influenza an ever-present threat and wild birds posing constant biosecurity challenges, poultry producers must remain alert to safeguard their operations.

At Detchant Farm near Berwick-upon-Tweed, free-range egg producer Catherine Armstrong is rebuilding her flock and strengthening the future of her family business by putting biosecurity first.

Managing 32,000 hens across 170 hectares with her husband and parents, Catherine knows that being prepared is essential, especially after weathering market pressures and reducing flock numbers in recent years.

Now increasing the flock back to 40,000 birds, she is not taking any chances.

“Protecting our hens from bird flu is non-negotiable,” she says. “We are investing in smarter systems, stricter controls, and Livetec’s Emergency Response Plan so we are ready for whatever happens next.”

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Strengthening Biosecurity for Peace of Mind

Catherine understood the ongoing threat of avian influenza, especially with the farm’s coastal location attracting wild birds. To strengthen her defences, she turned to Livetec for support. A detailed biosecurity audit and a tailored Emergency Response Plan gave her confidence that the farm was ready to respond quickly and effectively if an outbreak occurred.

In this case study, we take a closer look at:

  • The challenges of rebuilding flock numbers amid ongoing AI risks

  • The importance of protecting 32,000 free-range hens

  • How Livetec’s audit identified key areas for improvement

  • The creation of a bespoke Emergency Response Plan

  • Why having a plan ready for APHA gives peace of mind

  • The role of digital tools in strengthening on-farm biosecurity

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Protecting Poultry with Practical Planning

A tailored Emergency Response Plan is one of the most effective tools in preparing for a potential outbreak. For producers like Catherine, it offers not just protection, but peace of mind when it matters most.

Our expert-led audits and bespoke plans are designed to meet the needs of all types of farms. By working closely with farmers like Catherine, we help raise biosecurity standards, improve on-farm readiness, and build stronger resilience against avian influenza.

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Start protecting your flock today.


Whether you’re looking to implement an Emergency Response Plan or need expert advice on biosecurity, our team is here to help.


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