Alavedra Maria, Moura Dina, Cenci-Goga Beniamino, Saraiva Sónia, Silva Filipe, Pires Isabel, Saraiva Cristina, Coelho Ana Cláudia, García-Díez Juan
Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
Vet Sci. 2025 Apr 4;12(4):334. doi: 10.3390/vetsci12040334.
Biosecurity is essential in livestock farming to prevent the spread of diseases, ensure animal welfare, and maintain farm sustainability. In Portugal, small ruminant farms are predominantly extensive and small-scale, and most of them are familiar, especially in the northern and inland regions. Thus, biosecurity implementation on these farms is low due to factors such as an aging livestock farmer population, poor training, limited veterinary support, and economic constraints. This study, the first to assess biosecurity on Portuguese small ruminant farms, evaluated compliance levels and the influence of sociodemographic factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2023 and April 2024, through structured interviews with 276 farmers. A 32-question checklist covering nine biosecurity categories was used to assess compliance. The results revealed poor implementation of key biosecurity measures, particularly cleaning and disinfection, quarantine protocols, and visitor control. Inadequate premises infrastructure, including the absence of quarantine areas, isolation facilities for sick animals, and farrowing rooms, further hampered disease prevention. Compliance was influenced by farmers' age, education level, herd size, and production. Larger farms, particularly dairy farms, demonstrated better biosecurity practices, likely due to better management and infrastructure. This study highlights the challenges of implementing biosecurity measures on small-scale, extensive farms and argues that standardized plans are ineffective. Instead, region- and farm-specific strategies are needed, considering the socioeconomic realities of farmers. Improving farmers' education and access to veterinary services is crucial. Furthermore, public policies should provide financial incentives and educational programs to improve biosecurity without compromising farm viability. Strengthening biosecurity on small ruminant farms is vital to protecting animal and public health and ensuring the long-term sustainability of rural communities in Portugal.
生物安全在畜牧业中至关重要，有助于预防疾病传播、确保动物福利并维持农场的可持续性。在葡萄牙，小型反刍动物养殖场主要是粗放型且规模较小，其中大多数是家族式的，尤其是在北部和内陆地区。因此，由于诸如养羊农户老龄化、培训不足、兽医支持有限以及经济限制等因素，这些养殖场的生物安全措施实施程度较低。本研究首次评估了葡萄牙小型反刍动物养殖场的生物安全状况，评估了合规水平以及社会人口学因素的影响。2023年7月至2024年4月期间进行了一项横断面研究，通过对276名养殖户进行结构化访谈。使用一份涵盖九个生物安全类别的32个问题的清单来评估合规情况。结果显示，关键生物安全措施的实施情况较差，尤其是清洁和消毒、检疫规程以及访客控制。房舍基础设施不足，包括没有隔离区、患病动物隔离设施和产房，进一步阻碍了疾病预防工作。合规情况受到养殖户年龄、教育水平、畜群规模和生产方式的影响。较大的养殖场，尤其是奶牛场，表现出更好的生物安全做法，这可能是由于管理和基础设施更好。本研究凸显了在小规模、粗放型养殖场实施生物安全措施面临的挑战，并认为标准化计划效果不佳。相反，需要根据地区和农场的具体情况制定策略，同时考虑养殖户的社会经济现实。提高养殖户的教育水平并改善其获得兽医服务的机会至关重要。此外，公共政策应提供财政激励措施和教育项目，以改善生物安全状况，同时不影响农场的生存能力。加强小型反刍动物养殖场的生物安全对于保护动物和公众健康以及确保葡萄牙农村社区的长期可持续性至关重要。
