A new app designed to help farmers and vets strengthen on-farm biosecurity is already showing promising results across Wales, with early trials pointing to improved livestock health and reduced reliance on antibiotics.

The HerdSafe biosecurity risk assessment app has been tested on around 30 livestock farms and by 13 veterinary practices as part of the Welsh Government-funded Arwain DGC programme, which promotes responsible antimicrobial use.

Developed by Iechyd Da in partnership with Cefn Gwlad Solutions Ltd, the app allows vets and farmers to work together on-site using a phone or tablet to assess potential risks. It generates a weighted score for each farm and highlights practical actions to improve biosecurity.

For farmers like NFU Cymru President Abi Reader, who has been trialling the app on her Vale of Glamorgan farm with vet Morgan Hanks, the technology has changed how those conversations take place.

“It allows you to be on location with your vet and ask questions ‘live’,” she said. “It’s easier to spot areas you may not have considered risky and to discuss options to close down that risk.”

She said the process feels more focused and manageable than traditional approaches. Rather than being faced with an overwhelming list of jobs, the app helps identify what is achievable and effective.

“Crucially, it helps you focus on what’s achievable and effective and feel positive you’ve made a difference,” she said.

One of the key challenges for many farmers is the cost of improvements, particularly when it comes to infrastructure such as fencing. But Ms Reader said the app supports more flexible thinking, encouraging discussions around lower-cost options - from temporary electric fencing to using wildlife cameras to assess risk before committing to major spending.

The benefits are already being seen in herd health and antibiotic use. Ms Reader said her farm’s antibiotic usage is now “well below the national average” at 2mg/kg, adding that improvements come from a series of small, cumulative changes rather than a single fix.

“It’s about shutting off as many gaps in your health planning as you can,” she said.

The trial has also strengthened relationships between farmers and vets.

“The more my vet understands how the farm operates, the greater the quality of advice and support she can give me,” said Ms Reader.

Iechyd Da director, Ifan Lloyd, said, “The team that led this biosecurity workstream are extremely pleased with the commitment of the participating vets and their farmer clients in carrying out comprehensive biosecurity risk assessments using the HerdSafe app. As a result, 30 farms in Wales have implemented a range of changes, which have led to improved biosecurity and infection control protocols.

“Not surprisingly, most improvements were related to risks associated with the movement of animals - be this the sourcing of animals introduced onto the farm, their disease status, quarantine arrangements and any testing or treatments during the quarantine period. Boundary management and straying of stock were other key areas highlighted, although some vets cited practical barriers and cost issues as barriers to change.”