Implementation of biosecurity measures according to legislation in intensive poultry production: An overview across 22 EU and non-EU countries

Biosecurity implementation in poultry production is essential for maintaining flock health and preventing diseases. Regulatory frameworks play a key role in standardising biosecurity practices and ensuring compliance among stakeholders. However, there is limited information on how biosecurity measures (BMs) are legally enforced across different European countries. This study aimed to identify which BMs are mandated by legislation and/or other regulatory frameworks in 22 EU and non-EU countries for intensive poultry production. Using a participatory approach involving poultry experts from these 22 countries, data collection and validation were conducted through a questionnaire covering eleven biosecurity categories and comprising 56 BMs. The survey was carried out between December 2022 and December 2023. The number of BMs mandated by legislation for all poultry species varied considerably across countries. Turkey (52), Ukraine (46), and Slovakia (38) had the highest numbers, whereas Denmark, Sweden, and Finland had none. The most regulated BMs included rodent control programs, cleaning and disinfection after each production cycle, and physical or natural farm barriers. Conversely, the least regulated BMs included farm-exclusive personnel and external silo loading, with no regulations concerning keeping other farm animals, poultry species, or pets. Broiler and layer farming were subjected to more compulsory BMs than other poultry species. Additionally, twelve countries reported BMs under other regulatory frameworks, with Serbia (55), Turkey (53), and Poland (49) having the highest numbers, while Sweden (27), Finland (26), and Norway (25) had the lowest. The most regulated BMs included designated clothing and footwear, hygiene locks, and clean house surroundings. The least regulated BMs were related to silo loading, manure collection, and a parking area outside the farm. There was considerable variation in the number and type of BMs mandated by legislation across countries, likely influenced by each country's perceived disease risk. These findings highlight the importance of establishing a harmonized biosecurity framework at the European level to address regulatory heterogeneity and enhance disease prevention in poultry production.