Biosecurity: Methods to reduce contact risks between vectors and livestock

In order to prevent direct contact between livestock and pest animals and thus decrease the risk of pathogen transmission, the implementation of preventive or sometimes even curative measures is required. The concept of biosecurity refers to implementation of such measures, but it is difficult to quantify the results as the situation between farms may vary substantially. In this chapter we investigate the position of biosecurity and the evolution of this concept, especially in relation to pest management. We stress the need for such a strategy not only because of the potential transmission of (zoonotic) pathogens to livestock, which can have significant consequences for livestock health and the food chain, but also because of structural damage to buildings and crops. As there are large differences in both farm conditions and between vectors, implementation of a pest management strategy can come with serious difficulties. Thus, we present a generic framework that helps to develop a more tailor-made approach for a pest management strategy on farms, which will hopefully contribute to more effective interventions.