@article{01JDHM82HY94F3RNT5J1F5C611,
  abstract     = {{To assess and enhance the application of biosecurity measures in poultry farming, an objective measurement tool (Biocheck.UGent (TM)) was already available for broiler and layer. This study describes the development, validation and application of a risk-based weighted scoring tool for breeder, turkey, duck, free-range layer and free-range broiler production. In collaboration with an expert panel (n= 38), five different questionnaires were developed, following the format of the existing Biocheck.UGent scoring tools. Weights were attributed to external (7-9 subcategories) and internal (3-4 subcategories) biosecurity categories, as well as to the corresponding individual questions within each subcategory. The biosecurity measures were prioritized and weighed based on their relative importance in preventing disease transmission. Upon completion of the questionnaire, and upload of all answers to the Biocheck.UGent website, the algorithm generates a biosecurity score varying between ''0'' which equals the total absence of any biosecurity measure up to ''100'' which refers to full application of all biosecurity measures. The final scoring systems are available online (https://biocheckgent.com/en) for free and have been used to assess biosecurity in 70 breeders, 100 turkeys, 23 ducks, 16 free-range broilers, and 15 free-range layer farms originating from 12 countries so far. On average, the overall biosecurity score (mean +/- std. dev) was 78 +/- 7 % for breeders, 73 +/- 11 % for turkeys, 71 +/- 8 % for ducks, 73 +/- 8 % for free-range layers and 70 +/- 13 % for free-range broilers. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in biosecurity (both at the overall and subcategory levels) across different poultry types. The overall farm biosecurity score for breeders was significantly higher than that for turkey (p <.001) and duck production (p = 0.001). External biosecurity levels were highest in breeders in comparison to turkeys (p < 0.001), ducks (p = 0.008) and broiler free-range (p = 0.005). There was a notable difference in internal biosecurity levels between duck and turkey (p = 0.041) production as well. The study contributed to the poultry biosecurity database which allows benchmarking of the biosecurity levels of the users' farm results to national or international averages, indicating room for improvement and aiding to motivate stakeholders to enhance their biosecurity levels.}},
  articleno    = {{106288}},
  author       = {{Amalraj, Arthi and Van Meirhaeghe, Hilde and Caekebeke, Nele and Creve, Rhea and Dufay-Lefort, Anne-Christine and Rousset, Nathalie and Spaans, Annick and Devesa, Aitor and Tilli, Giuditta and Piccirillo, Alessandra and Zbikowski, Artur and Kovacs, Laszlo and Chantziaras, Ilias and Dewulf, Jeroen}},
  issn         = {{0167-5877}},
  journal      = {{PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE}},
  keywords     = {{Audit,Biosecurity,Poultry,Ranking,Risk,Scores,PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA,RISK-FACTORS,DISINFECTION,INFECTION,VIRUS}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  pages        = {{9}},
  title        = {{Development and use of Biocheck.UGentTM scoring system to quantify biosecurity in conventional indoor (turkey, duck, breeder) and free-range (layer and broiler) poultry farms}},
  url          = {{http://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106288}},
  volume       = {{230}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}

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