A scoping review of studies reporting biosecurity practices in small and backyard farms raising livestock or poultry in developed countries, 2000–2022

Over the past two decades, there have been growing concerns around small and backyard farms in developed countries due to the potential risk they pose in introducing and spreading infectious disease agents. Ensuring high levels of biosecurity on these farms, through the maintenance of practices that prevent the introduction and transmission of disease agents, is essential in mitigating this risk. The aim of this study was to investigate, through a scoping review, the practices considered in articles reporting biosecurity in small and backyard farms raising livestock or poultry in developed countries, and how their implementation was examined. Eligibility criteria for inclusion of studies in this scoping review were based on population (small, hobby or backyard farms raising livestock or poultry), geographical location (developed countries), outcome (reported the implementation of biosecurity practices at the farm-level), study type (peer-reviewed primary research articles), and publication year (2000–2022). The databases searched included CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE, Scopus, AGRIS, and AGRICOLA. Two independent researchers screened abstracts and titles, and subsequently full texts for inclusion of studies. The data extracted from the full texts consisted of: (1) publication year; (2) journal; (3) definitions of “small,” “backyard,” and “hobby” used by authors; (4) study design and number of participants; (5) biosecurity practices assessed; (6) livestock and poultry species raised; and (7) geographical location. A total of 46 articles met the inclusion criteria. Almost all the included articles involved a questionnaire-based study (n = 44), and a majority of articles focused on poultry (n = 27) or swine (n = 11). Most of the articles were published after 2010 (n = 37). Among the 21 categories of biosecurity practices included, the most frequently reported were the introduction of new animals, contact with other domestic animals, measures related to personnel, and wildlife contact. The least frequently reported categories of biosecurity measures were the presence of a perimeter fence, vehicles and parking, contact with animals from other farms, and isolation of sick animals.

Results

from this scoping review show an extensive variation between articles, including differences in the number of participants, biosecurity practices examined, practices considered “biosecurity” per authors’ definition, measurement scale for reporting biosecurity practices, and definitions of “small,” “backyard,” and “hobby” used by the authors. These findings highlight the need to develop standardized definitions and adaptable biosecurity checklists for practices implemented in small and backyard farms, which would allow for better comparisons across regions and countries for future research.