FROM AWARENESS TO ACTION: THE IMPERATIVE OF BIOSECURITY RISK ASSESSMENT IN SERBIAN CATTLE PRODUCTION

4th International Symposium On Biotechnology (2026),  [pp. 341-351]
 
AUTHOR(S) / АУТОР(И): Branislav Stanković , Slavča Hristov , Nikola Mileusnić, Milica Rađenović, Dimitar Nakov , Radislava Teodorović 
 
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46793/SBT26.341S

ABSTRACT / САЖЕТАК:

Biosecurity is the base of sustainable cattle production, preventing pathogen outbreaks and spreading threatening cows’ health and productivity and public safety. Serbian dairy and beef operations are mostly small- to medium-sized family farms with structural, economic, and other constraints, limiting biosecurity implementation. Despite increasing farmers’ awareness of disease risks, systematic evaluation of biosecurity practices and critical risk factors remain limited. Risk-based approach with standardized assessment tools may limit pathogen transmission and enhance herd health. The socio-economic, managerial, and educational factors that influence farmers’ adoption of preventive practices, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and capacity-building programs were reviewed. The strategies integrating risk assessment into national veterinary frameworks and extension services, emphasizing the potential benefits for productivity, disease prevention, and One Health outcomes were discussed.

KEYWORDS / КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ:

biosecurity, cattle production, risk assessment, disease prevention, herd health

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT / ПРОЈЕКАТ:

The research presented in this article is part of the Agreement on the transfer of funds for financing the scientific research work of teaching staff at accredited higher education institutions in 2026 for the Faculty of Agriculture 451-03-34/2026-03/200116.

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