News
From industry insights to biosecurity advice, disease outbreak and welfare information, latest Livetec news and upcoming events, our blog covers everything.
How animal welfare and biosecurity go hand in hand
28 July 2022Animal welfare and biosecurity go hand-in-hand as the need to protect the welfare of livestock cannot be achieved without implementing robust biosecurity measures.
You can’t afford for biosecurity to be an afterthought
29 July 2022Biosecurity is your strongest line of defence against the threat of disease. You need biosecurity measures in place to safeguard your animals and business.
The leading animal welfare organisations in the UK
27 July 2022The UK has some of the highest standards of farm animal welfare seen anywhere, with several leading animal welfare organisations constantly improving welfare standards.
Bird flu in wild birds & its impact on UK farmers
26 July 2022UK Poultry farmers should remain in a state of high alert as the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain H5N1 continues to devastate wild bird colonies across the country.
How to get better feed conversion from broiler chickens
21 July 2022If you are raising broiler chickens, then it is important to get the best feed conversion possible, as it can impact both the health of your poultry and your bottom line.
What are the Red Tractor Welfare Standards?
20 July 2022Founded in 2000, Red Tractor Assurance Scheme is a UK-based food and farming scheme. Livetec can help make your farming business compliant.
How to rear broiler chickens
19 July 2022Chicken is the meat of choice for UK consumers, with 20 million birds entering the supply chain each week and 1.16 billion of them processed each year, but how are they farmed?
How to prevent a disease outbreak on-farm
15 July 2022With the increasing risks of disease outbreaks to farms across the UK, it is critical that farm businesses don’t take biosecurity for granted.
A biosecurity checklist
14 July 2022Creating a comprehensive biosecurity checklist requires a detailed understanding of how your farm business operates.
Are you covered for all three types of biosecurity?
13 July 2022There are three distinct types of biosecurity needed to provide the highest level of defence, conceptual, structural and procedural.
We are hiring a Biosecurity Adviser!
11 July 2022Following an expansion of our technical services department, we are looking for a Biosecurity Adviser to help Livetec support our clients. Read the job description here.
The Livetec team attends the National Egg and Poultry Awards
7 July 2022Livetec enjoyed the National Egg and Poultry Awards last night in London, as we were nominated for Trade Supplier of the Year!
Bird flu outbreak starts on farm in Kent
5 July 2022The first outbreak of AI for the 2020 to 2021 season found on premises in Kent, home to a mixed flock of nine different bird species including ducks, geese and chickens.
Livetec Systems adds electric vehicles to fleet
30 June 2022We are delighted to announce that we have added two new Volkswagen electric vehicles to our fleet as part of our commitment to lowering our carbon footprint.
Is bird flu a notifiable disease?
20 June 2022Bird flu is classified as a notifiable disease by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Where did bird flu come from?
14 June 2022Bird flu, a highly-pathogenic notifiable disease, is not a new threat to poultry farmers. Read more about the history of bird flu, including where it came from.
Farm planning: Reducing the risk of disease
9 June 2022A farm plan is a document which defines a strategy for managing both financial and physical aspects of your farming business.
How to plan a poultry farm
1 June 2022What has to be considered when looking at starting a farm business in today's commercial farming environment.
Do farm buildings need planning permission?
30 May 2022Farms have the same type of planning regulations as other types of property but some planning rules have special conditions which apply to agricultural buildings and land.
How to review your biosecurity plan
25 May 2022Reviewing your biosecurity plan can be a daunting task but there are some steps you can take which will help you navigate the process.
Backyard Poultry: Best Biosecurity Practices
23 May 2022What can backyard poultry owners and small producers do to mitigate the risks of diseases, like bird flu infecting their flock?
Vote for Livetec at the National Egg & Poultry Awards!
19 May 2022We are excited to announce that Livetec have been nominated for Trade Supplier of the Year at the National Egg and Poultry Awards! Vote now.
Heat stress: The increasing challenges to farmers
18 May 2022Heat stress is becoming more of a problem for poultry farmers in recent years as temperatures in the UK continue to rise in the summer months causing distress in many flocks.
Livetec to attend the Bedfordshire Young Farmers Rally
16 May 2022Our Livetec team will be at the Bedfordshire Young Farmers Rally this Saturday 21st May talking about biosecurity, career opportunities and providing advice!
Livetec attends the Pig and Poultry Fair 2022!
13 May 2022Livetec are delighted to have introduced our newest service and communicated the continual need for better biosecurity practices at the British Pig and Poultry Fair 2022!
What is a broiler chicken?
10 May 2022The broiler chicken is a specific breed that is raised for meat. Find out how they're reared and the benefits they provide to the poultry industry and UK consumers.
Livetec Systems launch Farm Health Guardian (FHG)
9 May 2022We are excited to showcase our new, innovative biosecurity solution for farm enterprises at the Pig & Poultry Fair 2022.
African Swine Fever: Should UK farmers be worried?
5 May 2022Could African Swine Fever (ASF) be joining the list of diseases UK pig farmers deal with, including E.coli, PRRS virus, Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), Strep suis and Salmonella.
What is bird flu and how does it impact farmers?
2 May 2022Investigating the impact to British farmers of bird flu and exploring how it spreads, the symptoms, and the practical solutions available to farm businesses.
Livetec confirm attendance at the British Pig and Poultry Fair
26 April 2022Our expert team will be on stand 39 at the British Pig and Poultry Fair on the 10th and 11th May, to talk about biosecurity and provide farmers with advice, support and guidance.
How is bird flu transmitted?
20 April 2022Most wild birds carry the bird flu virus without displaying any symptoms and can transmit the disease to domestic poultry through direct or indirect contact.
What is biosecurity?
15 April 2022Biosecurity is essential for livestock protection, but what actually is it and how can farmers implement the measures in their farming businesses?
Investigating attitudes to biosecurity on broiler farms
14 April 2022Whilst biosecurity continues to become an increasingly important topic throughout the Agricultural industry, this study investigates how farm workers feel about it.
8 steps to a biosecure farm
8 April 2022Livetec are biosecurity experts with experience in both notifiable and non-notifiable disease outbreaks. Protect yourself from outbreaks in 8 steps.
Proudly announcing our new website!
1 April 2022Our new website features the latest industry news, insights into our work at Livetec, whitepapers, product guides and a shop with the award-winning NEX!
What is the housing order and when does it end?
29 March 2022The housing order came into effect on Monday 29th November 2021, due to the rapid and wide-spread of bird flu, but what does the housing order mean for poultry farmers?
Biosecurity spotlight: Stopping the spread of AI
21 March 2022As avian influenza is now classed as endemic in the UK, it is critical that farmers follow and implement strict biosecurity practices. Find out how in this Biosecurity Spotlight.
The broiler chicken family tree
14 March 2022Chickens raised for meat are called broilers, or broiler chickens. With chicken being the most popular meat in the UK, processing 1.16 billion of them a year - this is where they come from.
UK officially hits 100 cases of bird flu
2 March 2022For the first time ever, the UK has surpassed 100 cases of bird flu in one season. It has never been more important to implement and follow strict biosecurity measures.
The impact of processing delays
11 January 2022Processing delays remain a challenge for farmers, affecting a farm’s ability to process livestock and maintain operations. Find out more about the threats farmers face.
Northern Ireland has its worst bird flu outbreak
10 January 2022Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu has been sweeping its way through Northern Ireland over the past few months. Keep up to date with the latest situation here.
Livetec and BFREPA launch new biosecurity service
7 January 2022We are proud to announce our newest partnership with BFREPA! Find out how we are working together to protect UK farmers and preventing the spread of disease.
Avian influenza in the UK reaches 60 cases
17 December 2021How bad is the 2021 Avian Influenza pandemic right now? Read the latest figures following the situation across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Biosecurity absolutely critical amidst AI outbreak
15 December 2021Biosecurity is more critical than ever as Britain faces the worst bird flu outbreak on record. Find out how Livetec can help embed biosecurity measures to mitigate outbreaks.
Livetec awarded silver for BFA Contractor Innovator of the Year!
22 October 2021Livetec awarded silver for Contractor Innovator Of The Year Award at BFA in recognition of our work with DEFRA and efforts to improve biosecurity and sustainability on farms.
Recognition for Contingency Planning Client Work at the BFA
30 September 2021Livetec are proud of the recognition our contingency planning work has received at the BFA. Find out how we protect our clients reputations and livelihoods.
Disease outbreak reported on farm in Angus
29 September 2021Livetec responded to this case in Scotland, after an infection had started sweeping through a large quantity of broiler chickens.
Pinpointing the cause of store shelf shortages
26 September 2021Store shelf shortages have become an ever increasing worry across the UK, but why? Find out how Livetec has identified the problem at the route and our solution.
BFA Contractor of the Year Shortlisting for Defra work
24 September 2021In 2020 and 2021, we worked closely with DEFRA once again, providing emergency depopulation services during avian influenza outbreaks across the country.
What a contingency plan is and why you need one
7 September 2021At Livetec we work to mitigate the risks of outbreaks with help from our unique contingency planning service. Read more about how to benefit from a contingency plan here.
What to do during an avian influenza outbreak
4 September 2021Avian Influenza outbreaks can be very damaging to UK farmers. What do you do when one occurs? Find out how Livetec helps farmers with emergency depopulation.
Salmonella Infantis outbreak in Herefordshire
31 August 2021Livetec quickly mobilised to a farm in Herefordshire where a confirmed case of Salmonella Infantis had infected a large quantity of broiler chickens.
Protecting your farm business with biosecurity
30 August 2021Disease doesn't just appear on farms during epidemics. Robust biosecurity practices are the most effective and efficient way to minimise risk. Read More.
Protecting your business
30 August 2021Disease doesn't just appear on farms during epidemics. Robust biosecurity practices are the most effective and efficient way to minimise risk. Read More.
Improving your bottom line during supply problems
25 August 2021Supply chain issues, labour shortages, processing or CO2 supply availability, find out how we are working with farmers to minimise the scale of any potential losses.
Livetec called to Norfolk for E. coli outbreak
22 August 2021Livetec was called to a farm in Norfolk in August 2021, where it was found that E.coli had spread through a very large number of the resident broiler chickens.
Livetec: More than just a depopulation service
18 August 2021We’re building the future of biosecurity with science-led solutions, industry collaboration and on-farm knowledge. Find out more.
Salmonella Infantis found on farm in Herefordshire
17 August 2021In August 2021, Livetec were called to a farm in Herefordshire which had fallen victim to an outbreak of Salmonella Infantis.
Salmonella T outbreak in North Yorkshire
14 August 2021Salmonella T was detected on a farm in North Yorkshire in August after sweeping through a large number of broiler chickens.
Livetec nominated for the BFA Contractor Innovator of the Year
13 August 2021We are proud to announce that Livetec Systems have been nominated for the Contractor Innovator of the Year at the 2021 British Farming Awards.
Livetec August visit to Norfolk for outbreak
9 August 2021In August 2021, Livetec was called to a farm in Norfolk where it was found that an infection had spread its way through over 45,000 turkeys.
Lincolnshire outbreak reported to Livetec
6 August 2021In early August, the Livetec team travelled to a farm in Lincolnshire after a non-notifiable disease was found to be spreading through its resident broiler chickens.
Non-notifiable disease outbreak in Angus
5 August 2021The Livetec Operations team were called to this farm in Angus in August 2021 to assist with infected broiler chickens, after an outbreak was detected.
Closing abattoirs: The risk to UK farming
4 August 2021Small abattoir closures could have a huge impact on the UK farming sector as more than half plan to shut their doors by 2026. Read about the risks to UK farming in this blog.
Outbreak of salmonella in Norfolk reported
3 July 2021Livetec team called to a farm in Norfolk to deal with a salmonella outbreak affecting a number of turkeys resident on-site.
Bird flu found on farm in Staffordshire
27 March 2021The final case of the season was detected on a free-range broiler unit in Staffordshire at the end of March 2021, affecting over 4,000 chickens resident on-site.
Avian influenza outbreak on farm in Cheshire
26 March 2021In late March 2021, the Livetec team were mobilised to a breeding unit in Cheshire, where bird flu was spreading through the resident turkey population.
Livetec respond to AI outbreak in Fife, Scotland
12 February 2021The Livetec team travelled to Fife in February to deal with an outbreak of HPAI H5N1 amongst 14,000 game birds, which included pheasants, guinea fowl and partridge.
Avian influenza H5N8 outbreak in North Yorkshire
6 February 2021In February 2021, Livetec were called to a unit in North Yorkshire where it was confirmed that HPAI H5N8 was spreading through 1,500 free range chickens resident on-site.
Avian flu outbreak on farm in the Isle of Anglesey
29 January 2021At the start of 2021, the Livetec team travelled to a farm on the Isle of Anglesey where bird flu was found present in the resident game birds.
Fourth AI outbreak found on Norfolk farm
31 December 2020Highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected on a fourth farm in Norfolk in December 2020, affecting a large number of the resident ducks.
Avian influenza H5N8 outbreak in Norfolk
31 December 2020Livetec were called to a commercial turkey facility in Norfolk in December 2020 where it was confirmed that AI was present on site and quickly spreading through the flock.
Sixth farm suffers bird flu outbreak in Norfolk
31 December 2020Livetec remained in Norfolk at the end of December due to a sixth confirmed outbreak of avian influenza, showing signs of a rapid spread across the county.
Bird flu found on fifth farm in Norfolk
31 December 2020A fifth farm in Norfolk reported the presence of avian influenza in very late December, which was home to a large number of ducks housed across 6 sheds
Third reported outbreak of bird flu in Norfolk
30 December 2020Livetec were requested to assist with emergency measures on a third farm in Norfolk in December, as avian influenza was found to be spreading through its large duck population.
High-path AI outbreak on second Norfolk farm
28 December 2020In late December, the Livetec team travelled to a farm in Norfolk after bird flu was confirmed to be spreading through a range of mixed poultry on-site.
Third avian flu outbreak on North Yorkshire farm
4 December 2020A third farm in North Yorkshire fell victim to bird flu in early December. This premises was also part of the three farm complex, where the first case in the county occurred.
AI found on second farm in North Yorkshire
1 December 2020At the start of December, the Livetec team were called to a second farm in North Yorkshire where it was confirmed that over 13,000 farm’s turkeys had been exposed to bird flu.
Livetec respond to AI outbreak in North Yorkshire
29 November 2020A North Yorkshire farm, which operated as part of a three farm complex required help from the Livetec team in November 2020, due to an outbreak of avian influenza H5N8.
AI outbreak at Leicestershire tourist attraction
23 November 2020In November 2020, the Livetec Operations team were called to a tourist attraction in Leicestershire, as it was found to be suffering from an outbreak of avian influenza.
Bird flu detected on Herefordshire farm
10 November 2020A third case of highly-pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 was found on a farm in Herefordshire, just one week after the previous cases, showing signs of a rapid outbreak.
Histomoniasis found on third farm in Lincolnshire
9 November 2020In mid November 2020, a third outbreak of histomoniasis was found in Lincolnshire. The Livetec team were on site to assist with the over 42,000 turkeys resident on-site.
Second commercial outbreak of bird flu in Cheshire
3 November 2020Second commercial outbreak of avian influenza in the UK found in a medium sized chicken broiler breeder rearing unit in Cheshire, affecting over 14,000 chickens.
Bird flu outbreak starts on farm in Kent
3 November 2020The first outbreak of AI for the 2020 to 2021 season found on premises in Kent, home to a mixed flock of nine different bird species including ducks, geese and chickens.
Consider this!
30 October 2020As more items are delivered to the farm, what protocols do you have in place to ensure biosecurity and the safe delivery of items?
A second outbreak of histomoniasis in Lincolnshire
14 October 2020On the same day, the Livetec team were called to a second farm in Lincolnshire as another outbreak of histomoniasis (blackhead disease) was sweeping through over 2,500 turkeys.
Histomoniasis outbreak at a farm in Lincolnshire
14 October 2020In October 2020, the Livetec Operations team arrived on a farm in Lincolnshire where an outbreak of histomoniasis was quickly spreading through the turkeys resident on-site.
Winter is coming!
7 October 2020For poultry keepers, winter is a biosecurity high-risk period, with migrating birds bringing diseases to farms. Extra biosecurity is essential.
Salmonella Typhimurium detected on Nottingham farm
14 May 2020Over 34,000 broiler hens were affected in May 2020, after an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium was found sweeping through this Nottinghamshire farm.
Coronavirus, Covid-19 response
18 March 2020As a biosecurity disease prevention and control experts, contingency planning is a daily activity for us. We have put own robust plan for day-to-day operations.
Avian influenza H10 found in Stirlingshire
17 March 2020Livetec were called to a farm in Stirling, Scotland in March 2020, after a reported outbreak of avian influenza H10 affecting over 40,000 broiler breeder hens.
Bird flu H6N1 found on farm in Shropshire
6 March 2020Livetec's Operations team were quickly on site to this Shropshire farm after an outbreak of avian influenza H6N1 started spreading through the resident broiler breeder hens.
Livetec respond to AI outbreak in Co. Fermanagh
9 February 2020A third farm in County Fermanagh fell victim to low-pathogenic avian influenza H6N1, just days after the previous cases showing signs of a rapid outbreak.
Reported outbreak of bird flu in Co. Fermanagh
6 February 2020Low pathogenic avian influenza was detected on a farm in County Fermanagh in January 2020 after sweeping through a large number of brown breeder hens.
Avian influenza H6N1 found in Co. Fermanagh
20 January 2020Livetec team called to a farm in Northern Ireland to deal with an avian influenza outbreak affecting brown layer hens in three sheds.
Salmonella found in Killycloghan
11 January 2020In January 2020 the Livetec team arrived at a farm in County Cavan in Northern Ireland in response to a bird flu outbreak which was affecting over 6,500 broiler breeder hens.
Low pathogenic avian flu confirmed on poultry farm
10 December 2019Bird flu detected at commercial chicken farm in Mid Suffolk. The low-path H5 strain detected on site has forced a restricted 1km zone to be put in place.
Livetec NEX considered Red Tractor compliant
13 September 2019The Livetec NEX, a hand-held device designed to dispatch poultry, has officially met Red Tractor standards, recognised as humane and compliant.
Livetec NEX available at the Poultry Meat Conference
10 September 2019Red Tractor Assurance and WATOK compliant, the Livetec Nex will be available to purchase at the upcoming Poultry Meat Conference. Humane, consistent and compliant.
Clinks Care Farm
23 August 2018Find out how Livetec has helped community farms, like Clinks Care to understand the importance of biosecurity to reduce the risks of a disease outbreak.
Automated Containerised Gassing Units
11 May 2018We have been working hard to turn our Containerised Gassing Units fully automated, meaning all of Livetec’s systems can be operated at the touch of a button.
