Biosecurity is vital to protecting dairy herds from devastating disease outbreaks. With recent cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Germany, avian flu (HPAI H5N1) in the U.S., and ongoing concerns about bovine tuberculosis (TB) and blue tongue in the UK, now is the time for dairy farmers to reassess their biosecurity measures.
At Silostop Agri, we understand the importance of biosecurity, not just for our customers but also for our own farm visits. Every time one of our reps steps onto a farm, they follow strict hygiene protocols—wearing protective boots, using DEFRA approved disinfectant foot dips, and ensuring equipment is clean—because we know that disease prevention starts with the little things.
In this article, we’ll outline the biggest disease threats to UK dairy farms, explain how they can impact your business, and provide practical steps to improve your farm’s biosecurity.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD): Why the UK Is on High Alert
Germany recently reported its first FMD outbreak in nearly 40 years, affecting a herd of water buffalo near Berlin. The outbreak triggered immediate containment measures, including animal transport bans and culling, with neighbouring countries like France increasing their surveillance efforts.
In response, the UK has introduced an import ban on cattle, pigs, and sheep from Germany to prevent the disease from spreading to British herds.
Why it’s a concern:
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FMD spreads rapidly among cloven-hoofed animals, including dairy cows.
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It causes painful lesions, making it difficult for cows to eat or walk, resulting in severe production losses.
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A widespread outbreak could lead to strict movement restrictions, supply chain disruptions, and even nationwide culling, as seen in the UK’s devastating 2001 outbreak.
Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1): More Than Just a Poultry Problem
The U.S. is currently battling a severe HPAI H5N1 outbreak, which has affected over 10 million birds in the past month alone. More worryingly, the virus has jumped to dairy cattle, with at least 66 human infections reported, including the first bird flu-related death in Louisiana.
This raises serious concerns about potential cross-species transmission and the risk of the virus mutating further.
Why it’s a concern:
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While the virus mainly affects poultry, cases in dairy cattle suggest it could become an issue for UK herds.
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Infected cows may experience reduced milk yields and health complications.
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With avian flu already present in wild bird populations, there’s a real risk of indirect transmission to farm animals.
Bovine Tuberculosis (TB): An Ongoing UK Challenge
TB remains one of the biggest threats to UK dairy farms, causing costly herd losses, movement restrictions, and prolonged disruption. The disease remains a significant challenge while control efforts continue—such as badger culling in high-risk areas.
Why it’s a concern:
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TB can spread through direct animal contact or contaminated feed and water.
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Infected herds face mandatory testing, culling, and financial losses.
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Farms in high-risk zones may be unable to move livestock, restricting their business operations.
Blue Tongue: A Growing Risk for UK Farms
This vector-borne disease is spread by biting midges and affects ruminants, including dairy cows. While blue tongue doesn’t spread directly between animals, its presence in southern England raises concerns about how climate change increases disease risk.
Why it’s a concern:
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Infected cattle experience fever, mouth ulcers, swollen heads, and reduced milk production.
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As midges become more active in milder winters, the risk of blue tongue outbreaks grows.
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Preventing midge exposure and monitoring early symptoms is crucial to limiting its impact.
How Biosecurity Protects Your Herd
With multiple disease threats facing UK dairy farms, biosecurity must be a daily priority. Here’s how you can strengthen your defences:
1. Control Farm Access
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Limit entry to essential personnel only and require a visitor log.
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Insist on disinfectant foot dips and clean protective boots—just like we do at Silostop Agri when visiting farms.
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Restrict vehicle access and keep dedicated farm-use equipment separate from external sources.
2. Isolate New and Returning Animals
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Quarantine newly purchased livestock for at least 21 days before integrating them into the herd.
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Monitor animals returning from shows, markets, or shared grazing areas for signs of illness.
3. Secure Perimeters and Prevent Wildlife Contact
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Secure fencing to prevent contact with badgers (TB carriers) or infected livestock.
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Implement rodent and bird control strategies to minimise disease spread.
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Reduce standing water near sheds to deter midges that transmit blue tongue.
4. Maintain Shed Ventilation and Hygiene
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Ensure sheds are well-ventilated to reduce humidity and airborne pathogens.
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Regularly clean and disinfect high-traffic areas, feed troughs, and water sources.
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Install Secure Windbreaks to protect against cold draughts while maintaining airflow and reducing the risk of airborne contamination.
5. Store and Handle Feed Safely
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Keep silage covered with Silostop Max oxygen barrier films to prevent contamination.
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Protect stored feed from rodents, birds, and moisture, which can introduce harmful bacteria and toxins.
6. Develop a Farm Biosecurity Plan
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Work with your vet to create a biosecurity checklist.
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Train staff to identify early disease symptoms and respond quickly to outbreaks.
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Establish emergency protocols in case of a disease outbreak on or near your farm.
Final Thoughts
With recent disease outbreaks worldwide, biosecurity has never been more important for UK dairy farmers. From FMD in Germany to avian flu in U.S. dairy cattle, these threats are real and require proactive management.
At Silostop Agri, we take biosecurity seriously. Whether we wear protective boots on every farm visit, follow strict hygiene protocols, or provide solutions like Silostop Max silage films and Secure Windbreaks to help protect your herd, we’re committed to disease prevention.
You can significantly reduce disease risks and protect your herd by tightening farm access, quarantining new animals, and improving shed hygiene. Start today—because prevention is always better than cure.
