@article{1467,
  keywords = {pig, biosecurity, management practices, African Swine Fever, questionnaire},
  author = {A Dors and E Czyżewska-Dors and M Pomorska-Mól and Z Pejsak},
  title = {Biosecurity in Polish pig farms – a questionnaire survey},
  abstract = {Appropriate biosecurity practices are very important in preventing the introduction and spread of infectious diseases, among pig herds. Studies assessing biosecurity practices on Polish pig farms has not, so far, been conducted. The aim of this study was to investigate biosecurity practices implemented, in Polish pig farms in terms of the possible transmission of contagious diseases between herds and from wild animals. A cross-sectional survey was carried out between 2013 and 2015 on 377 Polish pig farms. Biosecurity levels of these farms were assessed, based on the implementation rate of biosecurity measures. A General Linear Model (GLM) was performed to determine the difference in biosecurity levels between farms with different herd sizes, farm type, density of pig population, location, age of owner and age of veterinarian. Furthermore, the influence of an African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Poland, on biosecurity levels, was evaluated. Findings revealed that farrow-to-finish pig herds, small herds ( lt; 675 pigs) and herds with a young veterinarian ( lt; 30 years of age) were associated with a lower biosecurity level. We also found an association between ASF outbreaks and the implementation of some biosecurity practices. Farms surveyed after the ASF outbreak in Poland reported compliance with a significantly larger number of biosecurity practices. Results show that in Poland biosecurity practices associated with control of access to the farm of unauthorized persons and animals are less frequently implemented than in other EU countries. In order to prevent the transmission of highly contagious diseases, the level of biosecurity in Polish pig farms, especially small, farrow-to-finish pig herds should be increased.},
  year = {2017},
  journal = {Berliner und Münchener Tierärztliche Wochenschrift},
  volume = {130},
  month = {02/2017},
  publisher = {Schlütersche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG},
  address = {Hannover},
  issn = {0005-9366},
  doi = {10.2376/0005-9366-16059},
  language = {English},
}