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Farmers

Effective Biosecurity Training Essential for Disease Prevention in Livestock Systems

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study has underscored the importance of effective biosecurity training in preventing diseases in livestock systems, with significant gaps persisting despite its critical role. The research, conducted by the University of Western Macedonia, emphasized the need for species-specific, flexible training modules that embed communication and cost-benefit elements, provide micro-learning units for time-constrained farmers, and operate within a tiered certification framework linked to continuing professional development.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified substantial gaps in biosecurity knowledge among veterinarians and farmers, with self-rated scores differing markedly between stakeholder groups.
  • Over three-quarters of cattle (77%) and 70% of swine veterinarians perceived a major gap in their ability to demonstrate the economic benefits of biosecurity to clients.
  • 39-44% of cattle and small-ruminant veterinarians reported inadequate mixed (theory + practice) training formats, and up to 50% of poultry veterinarians identified deficits in communication and behavior-change skills.
  • Participants favored modular, blended delivery that couples concise e-learning with on-farm coaching, supported by externally audited certification and greater farmer co-design.
  • Implementing effective biosecurity training measures will narrow competence gaps, strengthen veterinarian-farmer engagement, and enhance disease preparedness throughout European livestock production.
  • The study recommended developing species-specific, flexible modules that embed communication and cost-benefit elements, provide micro-learning units for time-constrained farmers, and operate within a tiered certification framework linked to continuing professional development.

Statistics:

  • 74 fully completed questionnaires were gathered from the online survey.
  • 267 views were recorded from the online survey.
  • 60 participants attended the two World Cafe workshops.
  • 77% of cattle veterinarians perceived a major gap in their ability to demonstrate the economic benefits of biosecurity to clients.
  • 70% of swine veterinarians perceived a major gap in their ability to demonstrate the economic benefits of biosecurity to clients.
  • 39-44% of cattle and small-ruminant veterinarians reported inadequate mixed (theory + practice) training formats.
  • Up to 50% of poultry veterinarians identified deficits in communication and behavior-change skills.

Sources:

  • What are desirable biosecurity trainings for veterinary practitioners and farmers?. Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity, 2025, 7(2): 91-106 (available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobb.2025.06.003)
  • Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity (http://www.keaipublishing.com/en/journals/journal-of-biosafety-and-biosecurity)
  • KeAi Communications Co., Ltd. (publisher of Journal of Biosafety and Biosecurity)

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