NFU Cymru urges farmers to prioritise biosecurity amid growing disease threats

Daniel Bevan - Senior Journalist

Farmers across Brecon & Radnor have been urged to tighten biosecurity measures to protect their livestock and businesses against an increasing number of disease threats at home and abroad.

The message came from NFU Cymru Livestock Board Chairman Rob Lewis during the union’s Brecon & Radnor County Meeting, held on Monday 28 April at the Royal Welsh Showground. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for heightened vigilance in light of rising risks including BVD, Avian Influenza, and Bluetongue, as well as concerns about Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks in parts of Europe.

Rob Lewis, who farms near Rhayader, said: “The advice is to act now and speak to your vet to ensure you’re doing the best for your farm. Any visitors to your farm—be it neighbours, workers, vets, or inspectors—should be disinfecting. Everyone needs to follow and promote good biosecurity measures.”

NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader reinforced this message, reminding members to complete their annual BVD screening tests by Tuesday 1 July, ideally alongside TB testing to ease the process. She also stressed the ongoing threat of Avian Influenza, noting that although Wales has not recorded any cases this winter, the country remains under an Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) due to the high risk of incursion.

As warmer weather sets in, the risk of Bluetongue is also increasing. Farmers were urged to remain alert for symptoms and to maintain contact with their vets for guidance.

Abi Reader also briefed members on NFU Cymru’s lobbying efforts, including calls for stronger UK border controls following Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks in Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary. Additionally, she highlighted the union’s ongoing engagement with Welsh Government on the Sustainable Farming Scheme and raised concerns over the UK Government’s proposed inheritance tax changes.

Closing the meeting, County Chair Rob Powell thanked attendees and reiterated the core message

He said: “We must lead by example with biosecurity and set a precedent for others to follow.”

The meeting served as a timely reminder for the Welsh farming community to stay vigilant and proactive as they navigate an increasingly complex disease landscape.