Call for urgent biosecurity rethink after bird flu detected in sheep

Livetec Systems is urging the farming industry to take a closer look at biosecurity, following confirmation of the world’s first case of avian influenza (H5N1) in a sheep on a smallholding in Yorkshire.

The sheep, which tested positive for antibodies through milk and blood samples, showed no clinical signs, but Livetec’s Group technical director, Julian Sparrey, says the case should act as a warning.

“The big question is how the virus got into the sheep in the first place,” he says.

“Was it wild bird droppings on pasture? Contact with infected domestic poultry? Transmission due to poor on-farm biosecurity? We just don’t know yet, and that’s what’s worrying.

“It was only picked up because there was already a poultry outbreak on the holding. Without that, it would have been completely missed.”

With 170 wild bird H5N1 incidents reported in the past month alone, Livetec warns that virus pressure is high – increasing the chances of livestock exposure through contaminated water, wildlife, and day-to-day farm activity.

Livetec is therefore calling on Defra to expand active surveillance, particularly on mixed-species holdings, to build up a picture of what is happening.

But Mr Sparrey says farmers should act now and not wait for direction.

“Running separate biosecurity protocols for different species is challenging, but not impossible. It’s about thinking practically – for example, thinking about where your boots go, what kit you’re sharing, and whether animals' co-graze,” he adds.

“We’ve always strongly advised against co-grazing ruminants and poultry due to the risks of Salmonella and E. coli transmission between the species. Now AI presents another risk.”

He adds: “This might be a one-off case, or it might be the first sign of something more. Either way, it’s a reminder that we can’t take excellent biosecurity for granted.”

Livetec’s biosecurity recommendations

• Avoid co-grazing poultry and ruminants
• Be conscious of the location from which you source your sheep
• Reinforce species separation protocols with dedicated clothing and equipment
• Report wild bird deaths – a critical early-warning indicator of virus circulation
• Review and upgrade biosecurity plans, particularly on mixed farms
• Support calls to Defra for wider surveillance to detect environmental spread