Application of Routines that Contribute to On-farm Biosecurity as Reported by Swedish Livestock Farmers

Abstract

On-farm biosecurity is important for preventing the spread of several contagious animal diseases. In this study, biosecurity routines among Swedish farmers with livestock (cattle, pigs, sheep or goats) were examined through questionnaires posted by mail. Moreover, the use of protective clothing among professionals visiting farms, such as animal transporters and veterinarians, were investigated through assessments made by the farmers. Questionnaires were completed, partly or fully, by 518 farmers (overall response rate 34%). Possible associations between biosecurity routines and livestock species, geographic location and herd size were analysed. Large variations in biosecurity routines were found, both within and between groups, and some farms appeared to have a relatively high level of biosecurity. However, <40% of the farmers reported that they provide protective clothing for visitors, and 50% of farmers buying live animals introduced these directly into the herd without prior isolation. In general, a higher level of biosecurity was reported by farmers with herds with only pigs, when compared to farmers with cattle, sheep/goats or mixed species. A higher level of biosecurity was also reported by larger farms compared to hobby farms. Inconsistent biosecurity routines were reported, which was interpreted as a lack of knowledge of how different infections can spread and how this can be prevented. Furthermore, some replies indicated that the farmers perceived the risk of introduction of disease as low. According to the farmers' assessments, the use of protective clothing among professionals visiting farms varied considerably, both among different professions and within the same profession. On average, veterinarians and artificial insemination (AI) technicians got high scores in this assessment, while salesmen, repairmen and animal transporters were reported to seldom use protective clothing. Based on the findings, there is room for improvement of on-farm biosecurity. There is also a need to further investigate the motivators and constraints for altered routines among both Swedish livestock farmers and professionals visiting farms.

Spatio-temporal evaluation of cattle trade in Sweden: description of a grid network visualization technique

“…From the maps it is clear that the cattle trade is constantly active at quite a high level. Recent studies have concluded that many farms lack sufficient biosecurity routines (Nöremark et al, 2010a), and there is, in other words, a constant risk that contagious diseases can spread in the population. Historically, Sweden has had a relatively low level of infectious diseases in livestock and claim freedom from several serious diseases that are present on the European continent.…”

“…In comparison with other countries, Swedish farmers have been spared from major disease outbreaks and there are indications that this has lowered their awareness regarding this type of threat (Nöremark et al, 2009b(Nöremark et al, , 2010a. With modern communication and transports allowing quick and long distance contacts, the introduction of an exotic and highly contagious disease could therefore have massive consequences.…”

A survey on biosecurity and management practices in selected Belgian cattle farms

“…Although the importance and usefulness of biosecurity is elaborately described, studies demonstrated that most cattle farmers do not implement adequate biosecurity measures (Nöremark et al, 2010;Negron et al, 2011;Brennan and Christley, 2012;Sayers et al, 2013). In Belgium, an important cattle and milk producing country in Europe and a very densely populated livestock area, the application of biosecurity measures in pig and poultry herds has already been studied (Ribbens et al, 2008;Van Steenwinkel et al, 2011).…”

The biosecurity status and its associations with production and management characteristics in farrow-to-finish pig herds

“…Biosecurity measures are of great importance to prevent or limit the risk of animals becoming infected with pathogens (Amass and Clark, 1999;European Commission, 2007;Maes et al, 2008;Fraile et al, 2010;Nöremark et al, 2010;Lambert et al, 2012;Laanen et al, 2013). A reduction in the risk of contracting an infection might lead to the reduced necessity of (antimicrobial) treatment of the animals (Laanen et al, 2013).…”