Effective biosecurity training is essential for disease prevention in livestock systems; however, substan-tial gaps persist. We combined an online survey (74 fully completed questionnaires; 267 views) with two World Café workshops (∼60 participants) to map the current provision, competence levels, and training needs across Europe. Key findings: (i) self-rated biosecurity knowledge differed markedly between stake-holder groups and veterinarians and other stakeholders reported median scores close to 80/100; (ii) more than 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; (iii) 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; (iv) across all discussions, participants favored modular, blended delivery that couples concise e-learning with on-farm coaching, supported by externally audited certification and greater farmer co-design. Therefore, rec-ommendations focus on 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. Implementing these mea-sures will narrow competence gaps, strengthen veterinarian–farmer engagement, and enhance disease preparedness throughout European livestock production.
Iatrou, A.M., Kastrati, B.M., Gecaj, R.M., Batikas, G., Niemi, J.K., Saegerman, C., et al. (2025). What are desirable Biosecurity Trainings for Veterinary Practitioners and Farmers?. JOURNAL OF BIOSAFETY AND BIOSECURITY, 7(2), 91-106 [10.1016/j.jobb.2025.06.003].
What are desirable Biosecurity Trainings for Veterinary Practitioners and Farmers?
Nardi, Marco De;
2025
Abstract
Effective biosecurity training is essential for disease prevention in livestock systems; however, substan-tial gaps persist. We combined an online survey (74 fully completed questionnaires; 267 views) with two World Café workshops (∼60 participants) to map the current provision, competence levels, and training needs across Europe. Key findings: (i) self-rated biosecurity knowledge differed markedly between stake-holder groups and veterinarians and other stakeholders reported median scores close to 80/100; (ii) more than 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; (iii) 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; (iv) across all discussions, participants favored modular, blended delivery that couples concise e-learning with on-farm coaching, supported by externally audited certification and greater farmer co-design. Therefore, rec-ommendations focus on 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. Implementing these mea-sures will narrow competence gaps, strengthen veterinarian–farmer engagement, and enhance disease preparedness throughout European livestock production.| File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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2025_Cost Better_What are desirable biosecurity trainings.pdf
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