Socioeconomic implications of biosecurity practices in small-scale dairy farms

Abstract, Veterinary Quarterly, 2014

Biosecurity is defined as a set of management procedures that prevent the risk of introducing new diseases to a farm and to minimize or to eliminate the spread of disease within the herd (Gunn et al. 2008; Moore et al. 2008; Fasina et al. 2012). As a part of preventive veterinary medicine, thanks to biosecurity practices (BP), it can also minimize the direct and indirect negative economic effects of infections on stakeholder groups such as producers/farmers, customers, suppliers, and relevant organizations. BP can be divided into two main categories, namely internal and external measures. Isolation of new animals, quarantine procedures, transportation; contacts with other herds and herdsman; and disease testing, visitors’ movements and grazing areas can be given as examples for the external measures; on the other hand, disease records, work procedures, staff education, and cleaning and disinfection of barns are included to the internal measures (Pinto & Urcelay 2003; Barrington et al. 2006; Kristensen & Jakobsen 2011).

A correctly applied biosecurity program is not as easy as indicated (Moore et al. 2008), and it can be considered a multidimensional activity (Cox 2005). The perception of its importance among farmers is also a complicated issue (Casal et al. 2007). Although a majority of farmers are aware that biosecurity measures are the most effective way to prevent diseases, they either forget to implement them or implement incorrect measures (Vaillancourt & Carver 1998). Different factors contribute to successful or unsuccessful biosecurity applications. These factors can be explained as additional workforce, costs and complexities of applications, availability of funds, laws, and regulations affecting the producers’ decisions about a new biosecurity plan (Fasina et al. 2012). Furthermore, farmers’ perceptions about biosecurity plans are likely influenced by the characteristics of the farms (Casal et al. 2007). According to the opinion of the researchers of this study, compatible with the above views, the application of BPs are largely related to internal factors such as producers’ social, economic, and cultural characteristics, and external factors such as relevant legal framework, national or regional health status, and climatic and/or geographic differences. As a part of these internal factors, the understanding of the impact of the socioeconomic factors on biosecurity is important.