Evaluating biosecurity on selected commercial pig farms in Serbia

Abstract

Biosecurity measures, coupled with effective on-farm management, encompass all aspects aimed at preventing the entry of pathogens into pig farms and their subsequent spread within the facility. This study assessed biosecurity practices on commercial pig farms in Serbia by surveying farm veterinarians/managers. To evaluate biosecurity on these farms, a Biocheck online survey (https://biocheckgent.com) was conducted across ten commercial pig farms in Northern Serbia, where the highest concentration of industrial pig production occurs. The average overall biosecurity score was 65.56 ±11.65. External biosecurity scored higher (75.56 ±9.39), whereas internal biosecurity scored lower (54.89 ±16.92). Within external biosecurity, the weakest scores were observed in categories such as feed, water, and equipment supply (47 ±25.48), showing considerable variation among farms, particularly in feed, water, equipment supply (54.22), and farm location (57.65). Regarding internal biosecurity, the lowest scores were noted during the farrowing and suckling period (37.22 ±15.08) and the finishing unit (37.66 ±24.12). This study reveals that biosecurity measures in commercial pig farms in Serbia are slightly below the global average. Given the predominance of extensive production systems in Serbia, urgent improvements in biosecurity practices on industrial farms are essential. Identification and implementation of appropriate biosecurity measures tailored to existing animal production systems are urgently needed.