How do we keep our borders safe? (LVS25)

As the UK continues to face evolving threats from transboundary animal diseases, effective border biosecurity has never been more critical. From the movement of horses and companion animals to the importation of livestock and animal products, biosecurity practices at points of entry directly impact national disease resilience.

This debate will bring together expertise across the sectors to discuss how border controls, disease surveillance, and risk communication can be strengthened to protect the UK’s animals and agricultural economy. The session will explore current vulnerabilities, recent lessons, and how policy, technology, and veterinary expertise can align to improve preparedness and response.

• Recognise the current challenges and threats faced by animals in the UK from biosecurity at our borders including traceability, disease detection and enforcement.
• Explore the similarities and differences in these challenges between species and sectors.
• Understand how the veterinary profession can respond to these challenges in order to improve the UK’s biosecurity and disease resilience

Chairperson

Gwen Rees, Junior Vice President - BVA

Speakers

Malcolm Morley, Director of UK - World Horse Welfare

Paula Boyden, BVetMed MRCVS, Veterinary Surgeon - Independent

Jorge Martin-Almagro, International UK Deputy CVO and Deputy Director, Global Animal Health & UK SPS Office - Defra

Presented at LVS 2025

Thursday, 20 November 2025, 10:30-11:45, BVA Congress