Structure

Structure
The COST Action BETTER is structured in four working groups (WG).

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.