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

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1, 2, and 3 of the e-learning safety training for study environments before attending the course.

Participation in practical and laboratory sessions requires wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed.

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 unit STRATEGIES OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE CONTROL IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD-ANIMAL PRODUCTIONS. 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 recorder is Prof. Monica Caffara.

The assessment of learning is through a written examination, which aims to evaluate the knowledge acquired by the student on the topics covered during the course.

The written examination consists of two open-ended questions, each covering one of the topics discussed during the course lectures. Students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of the course content, their ability to critically discuss the selected topics, and their appropriate use of scientific terminology. The minimum passing grade is 18/30.

No supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, computers) may be used during the exam, except for those explicitly allowed by the instructor.

The results of the written exam will be comunicated by email to the students by the designated course contact.

Negative results are not graded numerically but recorded as “withdrawn” or “failed” and do not affect the student’s academic record. Students may reject the exam grade any times, by informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days.

The designated course contact for this course is Caterina Lupini

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

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) and/or temporary or permanent disabilities are kindly requested to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as early as possible so that appropriate accommodations can be arranged. Requests for accommodations must be submitted to the lecturer at least 15 days before the examination date. Any adjustments will be assessed in accordance with the learning objectives of the course.

Examining professor responsible for recording the grades: Prof. Monica Caffara.

With regard to the learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

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

Office hours

See the website of Caterina Lupini