The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a new free, self-paced virtual course designed to help ruminant farmers and veterinarians strengthen biosecurity practices on farms. Titled Improving Ruminant Biosecurity, the course is available through FAO Virtual Learning Centres in English, Russian and Turkish, and aims to promote safer livestock production, healthier animals and more resilient farming systems.
Improving biosecurity on ruminant farms plays a critical role in reducing disease risks for both animals and humans, while also improving farm profitability through lower treatment costs, reduced losses and increased productivity. Practical measures such as effective quarantine protocols, strong farm hygiene, and controlled movement of animals, people and vehicles are highlighted as cost-effective ways to protect herd and flock health.
FAO experts emphasize that applying simple and practical biosecurity measures can significantly contribute to healthier animals, safer food systems and stronger rural livelihoods, while also reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases. The course is primarily aimed at field veterinarians, but it is open to anyone at no cost.
Participants complete approximately five hours of coursework and must pass an assessment to receive a certificate of completion. The course is accredited by Veterinary Continuing Education in Europe, allowing learners to earn continuing professional development credits that meet high European standards for veterinary education.
The training equips learners with the skills to understand and communicate the health and economic benefits of biosecurity, implement evidence-based and affordable measures, assess farm-level biosecurity across different ruminant production systems, and develop tailored biosecurity plans. The course content covers foundational concepts, farm biosecurity assessment, and advanced applications for systems such as dairy production, feedlots, pasture-based systems and small-scale farming.
This self-paced course forms part of a broader FAO training programme on ruminant biosecurity that began in 2023. Training materials were developed and adapted for virtual and in-person delivery, including tutored courses and face-to-face sessions using a training-of-trainers approach. Between 2024 and 2025, thousands of farmers, veterinarians and intermediaries across Eastern Europe and the Caucasus were trained in their native languages.
The initiative aligns with FAO’s Progressive Management Pathway for Terrestrial Animal Biosecurity, supporting countries in strengthening biosecurity across livestock value chains. The programme is supported by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency of the United States Department of Defense, reinforcing global efforts to improve animal health, food safety and disease prevention.
