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.
Advisory Guide To Address Antimicrobial And Anthelminitic Resistance On Farms (pdf)