Biosecurity and Biosafety Measures to Control Disease Transmission Between Humans, Animals and Environment

Saba Tabish; Fatima Batool; Maqsood Ahmad; Mirza Muhammad Arslan Azam; Qurat-ul-Ain; Asadullah; Hammad Riaz; Muhammad Aqib; Hammad Ahmed Hashmi; Sohail Ahmad; Anum Sabir

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v3i1.509

Authors

Saba Tabish Department of Zoology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan.
Fatima Batool Department of Poultry Science, MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan.
Maqsood Ahmad Livestock and Dairy Development Department Punjab, Directorate of Animal Disease Diagnostic, Reporting and Surveillance, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
Mirza Muhammad Arslan Azam Department of Biology, Govt Graduate College, Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan.
Qurat-ul-Ain Department of Zoology, Govt Graduate College of Science, Wahdat Road, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
Asadullah Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.
Hammad Riaz Institute of Forest Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan.
Muhammad Aqib Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
Hammad Ahmed Hashmi Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.
Sohail Ahmad Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.
Anum Sabir Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animals Sciences Lahore Sub Campus, Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i1.509

Keywords:

Biosecurity, Biosafety, Zoonotic Diseases, One Health, Disease Transmission, Environmental Contamination, Global Health Security

Abstract

Biosecurity and biosafety are essential for avoiding and limiting disease transmission among humans, animals, and the environment. Given the rising incidence of zoonotic outbreaks like COVID-19 and avian influenza, it is essential to establish comprehensive frameworks incorporating biosecurity measures across all industries. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of biosecurity and biosafety protocols in mitigating disease transmission at the human-animal-environment interface. A mixed-methods strategy was employed, incorporating field observations, surveys, environmental sampling, and laboratory analysis at three study sites: live animal markets, livestock farms, and wildlife conservation areas. Statistical and geographic modeling tools were employed to analyze data about compliance rates, contamination levels, and the effects of biosafety interventions. The findings indicated that adherence to biosecurity standards was greatest at livestock farms (75%) and least in live animal markets (45%), with a notable correlation between awareness levels and compliance rates (r = 0.78, p < 0.01). Environmental sampling revealed significant contamination levels in markets, with a pathogen detection rate of 65%. Biosafety protocols, including personal protective equipment and animal isolation, were observed to decrease infection rates by 10% following deployment. Notwithstanding its contributions, the study is constrained by its geographic scope and sample size, potentially impacting the generalizability of its findings. These findings emphasize the necessity of focused interventions, stakeholder education, and comprehensive environmental monitoring to improve biosecurity. Future research must concentrate on broadening study areas, incorporating advanced technologies, and assessing the long-term effects of biosecurity frameworks. This research enhances global health security by offering actionable insights for policy formulation and practical execution.

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