What are desirable biosecurity trainings for veterinary practitioners and farmers?

Abstract

Effective biosecurity training is essential for disease prevention in livestock systems; however, substantial 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 stakeholder 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, recommendations 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 measures will narrow competence gaps, strengthen veterinarian–farmer engagement, and enhance disease preparedness throughout European livestock production.