This blog continues our series inspired by Amy Davies’ expert masterclass from the From Fatigue to Fortitude – Tackling Biosecurity Challenges webinar, hosted by Livetec Systems. While the first blog looked at the “why” of biosecurity, this second instalment focuses on the human element, how the attitudes, behaviours, and daily actions of farmers and farm workers can make or break even the most well-designed biosecurity plans.
In Amy’s words, “Biosecurity is as much about mindset or behaviour change as it is about physical structures.”
Why? Because a gate or a boot dip only works if people choose to use it. And as experience has shown, procedures often start to slip first when pressure drops. This is where biosecurity fatigue creeps in.
Small Lapses, Big Consequences
Letting our guard down can have serious impacts. Common examples Amy highlighted include:
– Skipping boot disinfection when it’s raining
– Continuing to purchase livestock from known high-risk disease areas
– Ignoring quarantine for new arrivals
Each act might seem minor in isolation, but they create vulnerabilities in your biosecurity shield. Over time, they add up.
Make Biosecurity easy to follow
To overcome behavioural breakdowns, Livetec promotes design that supports compliance. A great example from Amy’s session is the double-barrier system:
– Colour-coded boots for designated areas
– Seating for safe boot changes (avoiding floor contact)
– Overalls placed out of reach from the “dirty” side
These small but clever design features make it easier to follow protocols and harder to bypass them.
It’s not just for Poultry
While poultry farms may require advanced barrier systems, the principles apply to all livestock:
– Quarantine pens for new sheep or cattle
– Clean/dirty zones in pig housing
– Controlled access points and signage
Biosecurity is scalable. The key is thoughtful adaptation, not copy-paste measures.
Culture Over Compliance
The goal is not to mandate behaviour it’s to inspire it. When biosecurity becomes part of your team culture, it’s no longer a box-ticking exercise. It’s a reflex.
As Amy put it, “A fresh pair of eyes can turn an overwhelming problem into a simple fix.”