BETTER - COST ACTION CA20103

Biosecurity Enhanced Through Training Evaluation and Raising Awareness

The BETTER COST Action will evaluate how biosecurity is currently used and will use participative approaches to understand motivators and barriers for biosecurity implementation.

ABOUT

Introduction to the Action

1

Description

Biosecurity is of paramount importance to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens and, consequently, to preserve the health of farmed animals.

2

Objectives

The overall aim of the Action is to reduce the risk of infectious disease introduction and spread by improving the implementation of biosecurity measures in animal production systems.

3

Background

Nowadays, health and welfare, safety and sustainability are crucial elements for ensuring the future of livestock production

STRUCTURE

Meet our Working Groups

WG1

Mapping biosecurity measures applied on farms and transport across Europe

The first working group will address how biosecurity measures are applied in Europe and neighbouring countries, and will identify ways for improvement, especially in production systems where there is a lower level of implementation or in settings where biosecurity is more challenging to carry out.

WG2

Scaling-up the knowledge and experience of stakeholders and of the general public

In the second working group, the Action aims to scale-up the knowledge and experience of different types of stakeholders. This is highly relevant as any training or communication strategies for end-users should be based not only on science but also on the understanding of why stakeholders behave the way they do.

WG3

Methods for evaluation of biosecurity and benefits of its implementation

The third working group will focus on identifying the existing methods used to evaluate biosecurity. At present, methodologies are diverse and have not been compared comprehensively. Such methods can be useful as educational tools and for developing skills in risk-based prioritisation as well as to provide quantitative goals and benchmarks which can be used to position the farm with respect to others.

WG4

Training and dissemination

The fourth working group aims to increase the number of professionals, such as veterinarians and farmers, trained in biosecurity and to develop guidelines and good practices for evidence-based effective communicative strategies for different stakeholders. This is a relevant challenge due to the lack of formal education on this issue.

NEWS

Latest Updates

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Invitation f or External Experts Eu Partnership In Animal Health and Welfare Expert Network On Biosecurity Research Priorities The main aim is to create a...

waba

The World Animal Biosecurity Association (WABA), is currently a project. The aim is to formally create WABA by the end of 2024. Here is the...

Meeting in Estonia

The next General Meeting will be conducted in Tartu (Estonia) between 30 and 31st of May. Abstract submission here. Date and Venue Travel to Tartu...

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Something that we have done again a really succesfull meeting in Padova (Italy). Thank you for all people that participated and to our great hosts.

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Online training on biosecurity and the application of a risk-based scoring tool for quantification of biosecurity on livestock farms Get up-to-date on the biosecurity aspects...

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Virtual Learning Course on Improving Ruminant Biosecurity between 13 February – 15 March 2024 Limited number of observer places for FAO and other experts who...

Join Us

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Joining our COST Action?

COST Action BETTER welcomes research-active scientists working in the field.
There are many ways to get involved.