Farmers are no strangers to animal disease threats. But lately, two viruses have been causing real concern—Avian Influenza (bird flu) and Bluetongue.
If you’re keeping poultry, sheep, or cattle, now is the time to tighten your biosecurity measures. Don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide breaks down what you need to know and do, in plain English.
🦠 What Are These Diseases and Why Should You Care?
👉 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
- A highly contagious virus affecting poultry
- Spread by wild birds, contaminated feed, water, or equipment
- Some strains can kill entire flocks in a matter of days
👉 Bluetongue
- A viral disease that mainly affects sheep and cattle
- Transmitted by tiny biting midges (you won’t see them coming!)
- Can cause fever, swelling, lameness—and in severe cases, death
Both are notifiable diseases in the UK, which means you must report them if you suspect an outbreak. Early action saves lives—and livelihoods.
🧼 7 Practical Ways to Protect Your Animals
1. Control Who Comes On Your Farm
- Only allow essential visitors
- Ask them to clean boots and use hand sanitiser
- Keep a visitor log—it really helps if something goes wrong later
2. Quarantine New Animals
- Keep new stock separate for at least 2–3 weeks
- This simple step can stop disease from entering your herd or flock
3. Clean Often and Properly
- Disinfect housing, tools, and feeding areas regularly
- Use DEFRA-approved disinfectants for best protection
- Keep water sources clean and away from wild birds
4. Keep Wildlife at a Distance
- Cover poultry areas with netting to keep out wild birds
- Seal feed bins and clean up spilt grain—no freebies for rodents or pigeons!
- Reduce standing water to keep midges and mosquitoes away
5. Check Your Animals Daily
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Watch for early signs like:
- Bird flu: sudden death, fewer eggs, blue combs
- Bluetongue: high fever, swollen tongue, difficulty walking
- Call your vet or APHA if anything seems off
6. Use Insect Protection
- Fit mesh screens to barns and sheds
- Use fly repellents or approved insecticides
- Midges love damp areas—keep things dry when you can
7. Talk to Your Vet About Vaccines
- Bluetongue vaccines are available for some strains like BTV-3
- There's no routine bird flu vaccine yet in the UK, but keep an eye on updates
- Always keep vaccination records up to date
🐑 What To Do If You Suspect a Problem
If you think your animals might be infected, don’t wait—contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) right away.
📞 03000 200 301
🌐 gov.uk guidance on notifiable diseases
Reporting is not just the law—it could help stop an outbreak across your region.
✅ A Quick Recap
Here’s what you can do today:
- ✅ Limit visitors
- ✅ Quarantine new animals
- ✅ Clean and disinfect daily
- ✅ Keep wildlife out
- ✅ Watch your animals closely
- ✅ Protect against insects
- ✅ Stay informed and vaccinated
A few small steps now can save you a lot of stress (and money) later.
💬 Need Help?
If you're unsure where to start, or want help creating a farm-specific biosecurity plan, our veterinary team is here to help. We can also advise on vaccination options and best practices for your region.