Development and use of Biocheck.UGent™ scoring system to quantify biosecurity in conventional indoor (turkey, duck, breeder) and free-range (layer and broiler) poultry farms.

To assess and enhance the application of biosecurity measures in poultry farming, an objective measurement tool (Biocheck.UGent™) 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.

Factors Affecting Poultry Producers' Attitudes towards Biosecurity.

Poultry producers' attitudes towards biosecurity practices were assessed by using the ADKAR (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement) behavioral change model. Conventional poultry producers ( = 155) from different production types including broilers ( = 35), layers ( = 22), breeders ( = 24), turkeys ( = 19), ducks ( = 23), free-range broilers ( = 11), free-range layers ( = 11), and hatcheries ( = 10) from seven European countries were scored for each ADKAR element (1 = total absence to 5 = perfect fulfilment). Each country performed selected interventions (e.

Biosecurity implementation on large-scale poultry farms in Europe: A qualitative interview study with farmers.

Biosecurity is an essential tool for rearing healthy animals. Biosecurity measures (BMs) are well known in poultry production, but it is difficult to assess actual implementation on farms. The aims of this qualitative study were (1) to provide an overview of biosecurity implementation according to poultry farmers in Europe; and (2) to better understand the reported reasons and potential obstacles for not implementing the measures.

Controlling bead and cell mobility in a recirculating hanging-drop network.

Integrating flowing cells, such as immune cells or circulating tumour cells, within a microphysiological system is crucial for body-on-a-chip applications. However, ensuring unimpeded recirculation of cells is a significant challenge. Closed microfluidic devices have a no-slip boundary condition along channel walls and a defined chip geometry (laminar flow) that hinders the ability to freely control cell flow.

Monitoring biosecurity in poultry production: an overview of databases reporting biosecurity compliance from seven European countries.

Compliance with required on-farm biosecurity practices reduces the risk of contamination and spread of zoonotic and economically important diseases. With repeating avian influenza epidemics in the poultry industry, the need to monitor and improve the overall level of biosecurity is increasing. In practice, biosecurity compliance is assessed by various actors (e.