95981 - Strategies of Infectious Disease Control in Sustainable Food-Animal Productions

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, students have acquired knowledge on the epidemiology of infectious diseases of food animals and their control through biosecurity and vaccination, for the safeguard of animal health and welfare, in order to improve the sustainability of food animal productions. In particular students: 1. Acquire epidemiological knowledge of infectious diseases transmission in food animals; 2. Acquire criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of biosecurity plans; 3. Are able to evaluate the economic and health impact, especially on reducing the use of antimicrobials, of infectious disease prevention and control measures in food animal productions.

Course contents

The course provides students with scientific and practical knowledge on strategies for the prevention and control of infectious diseases in food-producing animals within a sustainable production framework. It focuses on epidemiological principles, disease transmission dynamics, biosecurity measures, vaccination strategies, and hygiene management practices aimed at improving animal health, productivity, and environmental sustainability. Particular attention is given to the impact of major infectious diseases on animal welfare, food safety, and sustainable livestock systems. The course integrates theoretical learning with practical experience through on-farm activities and group-based biosecurity assessment exercises, allowing students to apply risk analysis approaches and propose evidence-based disease control strategies in real production settings.

Topics Covered

• Epidemiology and circles of infectious disease transmission in food animals (4 hours – theoretical)

• Principles of biosecurity in sustainable animal production systems (4 hours – theoretical)

• Vaccination strategies and hygiene management practices (4 hours – theoretical)

• Major infectious diseases of farm animals and their impact on production sustainability (4 hours – theoretical)

• On-farm training and biosecurity assessment activities (6 hours – practical, farm visits)

• Group work: biosecurity risk analysis, evaluation, and improvement planning (6 hours – practical, group activities)

Readings/Bibliography

Files of the power point presentations of the lessons and of the seminars will be provided to the students.

Teaching methods

- Front lessons

- Seminars held by experts

- Visit to farms

Assessment methods

This course is part of the Integrated Course "SUSTAINABLE CONTROL OF TRANSMISSIBLE DISEASES IN FOOD ANIMAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS", which also includes the teaching units of SUSTAINABLE CONTROL OF PARASITIC DISEASES IN FOOD ANIMAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS. The final grade for the Integrated Course will be a single grade, calculated as the average of the final evaluations of each component course.

As an integrated course, the official grade registrer is Prof. Monica Caffara.

The assessment takes place through an oral interview:

• Preparation on a limited number of topics. Analytical skills that emerge only with the help of the teacher. Overall correct language property (18-19)

• Preparation on a limited number of topics. Autonomous analysis capability. Correct language property (20-24)

• Preparation on a large number of topics. Ability to make autonomous choices of critical analysis. Mastery of specific terminology (25-29)

• Comprehensive preparation of the topics. Ability to make autonomous choices of critical analysis and connection. Full mastery of specific terminology (30-30L)

Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Classroom supplied with multimedia equipment (web-connected PC and PC video-projector).

Office hours

See the website of Caterina Lupini