BETTER: a Cost Action project to improve biosecurity implementation at farm level

Biosecurity is of paramount importance to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens and, consequently, to preserve the health of farmed animals. Despite these benefits, the implementation of biosecurity measures is limited by different factors including lack of knowledge and of trained professionals. The COST action “Biosecurity Enhanced Through Training Evaluation and Raising Awareness” (https://better-biosecurity.eu/ ) aims to reduce the risk of infectious disease introduction and spread by improving the implementation of biosecurity measures in animal production systems.

SAFOSO AG is supporting this important COST action initiative as consortium member and national coordinator of the activities in Switzerland.

At present, the COST action BETTER is composed of 265 participants from 46 different countries including non-EU countries (e.g. Australia, Argentina, Canada and New Zealand). In addition, stakeholders from government bodies, the industry or international organizations such as FAO and WOAH have also joined the initiative.    

 As a first activity, the project team is currently mapping how biosecurity is applied across Europe and neighbouring countries in different animal production systems. It is evaluating the perception among the public on biosecurity and psychosocial factors related with its implementation. Further a compilation of existing methods to evaluate biosecurity and its benefits will be made. A new subgroup, focusing on biosecurity in aquaculture, has recently been formed and a first training school on biosecurity has been conducted.