Practical guidance on biosecurity

Biosecurity is about minimising the risk of introduction of disease onto farms. In the context of bovine TB control, it involves stopping TB-infected cattle entering the herd, restricting contact between cattle and badgers, and reducing the TB-risk from neighbouring cattle herds. 

European badger at night - Bovine TB

Biosecurity at pasture

Find out about ways to minimise direct and indirect contact between cattle and badgers at pasture.

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Farm building - Bovine TB

TB in the environment

Find out about how long M. bovis bacteria survive in the farm environment in faeces, feed and water.

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Cows being transported - TB Hub

Stop infected cattle entering the herd

Action you can take to reduce the risk of introducing TB-infected cattle into your herd.

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Farm buildings with badger proof gates and sidings - Bovine TB

Biosecurity for buildings

Learn about practical steps you can take to prevent badger access to farm buildings.

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Biosecurity case studies

Real life examples of farmers implementing bovine TB biosecurity measures on their farms

 

Case Study

Adam Quinney, Warwickshire beef farmer

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Case Study

James Russell, Derbyshire cattle vet

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Case Study

Officially TB free farm in Gloucestershire

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Case Study

Beef farm in Gloucestershire within the HRA

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Case Study

Hartpury College, Gloucestershire

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Case Study

Dairy farm in Worcestershire

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Case Study

Lodge Farm, Leicestershire

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Case Study

Paul Brereton, New Farm, Market Drayton

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Case Study

Agricultural Construction Consultant

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Biosecurity information sheets

These information sheets describe various practical biosecurity measures that you can take on-farm to protect your cattle herd from TB. For each measure, there is an explanation of how it works, how it’s been tested, approximate costs of materials (correct as of January 2017), case studies and recommendations.

 

Sheeted gates

Replacing horizontal barred gates with solid sheeted gates mounted close to the ground provides a secure barrier against access by badgers.

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Galvanised steel panels

Attaching solid, galvanised steel panels to existing gates, fences and gaps in building walls can prevent badgers from entering cattle yards and buildings.

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Adjustable gate sections

Existing gates can be fitted with adjustable sections (flaps, bars, panels) at the bottom to prevent badgers from gaining access beneath them.

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Roller doors and blinds

Roller doors, shutters and blinds that fit flush to even ground are a highly effective method of preventing badgers from accessing farm buildings.

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Feed storage containers

Secure feed stores are preferable for large amounts of feed, but secure storage containers with lids will prevent badgers getting into bags of cattle feed.

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Electric fencing badgers

Low, four-strand electric fencing can be erected to specifically prevent badgers from entering yards, clamps, clusters of buildings and other areas on farm.

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Electric fencing cattle

A temporary standard electric stock fence can create a buffer to prevent cattle grazing over areas where there are badger setts, latrines and runs.

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Wire mesh fencing

Wire mesh fencing can be erected to restrict badgers from entering large areas, or used to secure smaller gaps between buildings.

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Feed and water troughs

To prevent badger access, water and feed troughs can be raised, and mechanisms such as rollers or outward sloping surfaces installed.

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Mineral licks

Elevated mineral lick holders with features such as smooth outward sloping surfaces, and stands to raise buckets to a safe height can prevent badgers from gaining access and are available commercially.

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Double perimeter livestock fencing

A double perimeter stock fence can maintain a sufficient distance between herds to prevent nose to nose or close contact with neighbouring cattle, which is particularly important for farms with multiple land parcels.

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Cow grazing in the sun - Bovine TB

Biosecurity progress report

This is a joint Defra-Welsh Government publication presented on behalf of the Government and industry partnership group (AHDB, Defra, Welsh Government, Landex, NFU, and BCVA). It evaluates the progress of the 2014 Biosecurity Action Plan and presents a new action plan targeting improving biosecurity.

The report contains 20 new actions based on stakeholder feedback on the 2014 Biosecurity Action Plan from a workshop conducted in 2017. These actions cover guidance and information resources; education and training; communications; policy; evidence; and data collection.

Better biosecurity has an important role to play in the eradication of TB as indicated in the Bovine TB Strategy Review.

Read the full biosecurity progress report