A Research Stimulus Fund (RSF) project of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Ireland, The Surveillance Welfare and Biosecurity of farmed animals (SWAB) project involves transdisciplinary actors; scientists, industry, farmers and veterinarians, to develop novel solutions for some key issues regarding animal health, welfare and biosecurity in Irish agriculture.
A multi-actor co-creation process responded to three related challenges: factors influencing utilisation of DAFM animal health surveillance and diagnostic services; behaviours impacting on animal welfare; and quantification of the benefits of farm-level biosecurity practices. SWAB used participatory action research methods involving all stakeholders (farmers, practicing veterinarians, industry, animal health professionals, consumers, other actors) to co-create policy/veterinary/extension tools for operational settings.
SWAB facilitated participatory workshops where diverse stakeholders co-created practice-ready tools (e.g. storyboards, infographics, animated videos) to promote animal disease surveillance and welfare on farms. The strength of these tools lies in their multi-actor origin: end-users shaped the content to ensure messages about biosecurity and welfare are engaging and commonly understood across the farming community.