From Fatigue to Fortitude – tackling current biosecurity challenges
The importance of biosecurity in poultry production has never been more critical. In our recent webinar, From Fatigue to Fortitude – Tackling Current Biosecurity Challenges, held on 27th March 2025 at 5pm, industry experts came together to discuss the challenges, risks, and innovations shaping biosecurity management today. The conversation covered everything from weak points in biosecurity protocols to the role of digital transformation in strengthening disease prevention. Below, we’ve summarised some of the key takeaways from the discussion.
- Biosecurity weak points: The small details matter
One of the primary biosecurity concerns discussed was how small oversights can lead to major vulnerabilities. Julian Sparrey highlighted poor implementation of step-over barriers, which are meant to ensure boot changes before entering livestock areas. “If barriers are not designed for ease of use, they become a trip hazard rather than a useful tool, and people tend to ignore them,” he explained, emphasising the need for better design.
Additionally, Máire Burnett noted that human error and routine slippage where employees gradually become less strict in following biosecurity protocols are common weak points. “Biosecurity is only as strong as its weakest link. Without constant reinforcement and training, even the best protocols can break down over time,” she cautioned.
Takeaway: Biosecurity isn’t just about having protocols in place it’s about making them easy to follow. Reviewing infrastructure, improving training, and conducting regular audits can help close these gaps.
- Cleaning and Disinfection (CND) must follow the right process
Failures in the cleaning and disinfection (CND) process were another key topic. Sarah O’Grady pointed out that mistakes often occur when steps are performed in the wrong order. “Disinfecting control rooms after sheds is a classic example of getting it backwards. The process is time-sensitive, and any deviation can reduce its effectiveness,” she stressed.
Takeaway: Establishing clear, step-by-step CND guidelines, along with routine checks, ensures that every stage is executed correctly to maintain strong biosecurity standards.
- Building a culture of biosecurity
Panelists emphasised the importance of making biosecurity second nature rather than an administrative burden. Sarah O’Grady highlighted management’s role in fostering a strong culture. “Biosecurity has to be ingrained in daily routines, not just something we enforce with checklists. If staff see it as part of their everyday work, compliance improves dramatically,” she said.
Máire Burnett added that simplifying processes can also encourage adherence. “If we make biosecurity cumbersome, people will find ways to cut corners. Digital tracking systems, for instance, can replace inefficient paper logs and improve compliance,” she suggested.
Takeaway: Training should go beyond compliance and focus on ingraining biosecurity into everyday routines. When staff understand the importance of biosecurity and it becomes part of their daily habits, risks decrease significantly.
- Biosecurity is an investment, not a cost
A key message from the discussion was that biosecurity should be seen as an essential investment rather than an added expense. Máire Burnett emphasised the financial benefits of strong biosecurity practices. “Good biosecurity doesn’t just protect flocks it protects business sustainability. Healthier birds mean higher productivity and lower losses,” she explained.
Grant Oliff highlighted the long-term benefits. “Farmers who invest in training, infrastructure, and digital tools see measurable improvements in disease prevention and efficiency,” he noted.
Takeaway: Producers should reframe biosecurity as a long-term investment in operational success. Allocating resources to training, infrastructure improvements, and digital tools will provide measurable benefits in disease prevention and overall efficiency.
- Industry collaboration is essential for resilience
The panel also highlighted the importance of collective action in tackling biosecurity challenges. Máire Burnett referenced recent studies. “Cambridge University research shows that better collaboration between commercial farms, smallholders, and hobby keepers can significantly improve resilience,” she said.
Julian Sparrey pointed to the role of industry bodies. “The British Poultry Council is working to create a one stop shop for biosecurity information, ensuring that knowledge sharing becomes standard practice,” he added.
Takeaway: Knowledge sharing and collaborative efforts between farmers, industry bodies, and government agencies will be crucial in preventing future outbreaks and ensuring stronger biosecurity measures across the sector.
Looking ahead: embracing digital innovation
Technology is playing a growing role in improving biosecurity management. Grant Oliff highlighted the benefits of real time tracking. “With digital biosecurity tools and predictive models, we can identify risks early and take action before a problem escalates,” he said.
Sarah O’Grady discussed advancements in cleaning solutions. “Enzymatic cleaners and microbiome management could revolutionise disinfection processes, making them more effective and sustainable,” she noted.
Takeaway: The poultry industry must continue to adapt and integrate new technologies to stay ahead of emerging biosecurity threats.
Final Thought
The webinar reinforced that biosecurity is an evolving challenge that requires continuous improvement. By focusing on human behaviour, refining cleaning processes, fostering a strong biosecurity culture, making strategic investments, and embracing collaboration, the poultry sector can enhance its resilience and protect its future.
Want to learn more? Stay tuned for our upcoming events and resources, where we continue to share insights into improving biosecurity management.
