Imagine a world where sustainable development thrives, ecosystems flourish, and global health is safeguarded. At the heart of this vision lies biosecurity—a vital yet often overlooked cornerstone of progress. From preventing the spread of diseases to protecting biodiversity and ensuring food security, here is why biosecurity is a positive driving force like no other.
In today’s interconnected world, biosecurity serves as a proactive strategy for sustainable development. Here is what you need to know about it. Biosecurity is the science and practice of safeguarding lives and livelihoods by reducing vulnerabilities in biological ecosystems. It uses a multidisciplinary approach to managing biological threats that affect animals, humans, and the environment.
Biosecurity is critical for protecting plant, animal, and human health systems, ensuring food security, and fostering economic growth. With the increasing pressures of globalisation, international trade, global travel, and climate change, the need for strong biosecurity frameworks has never been more urgent.
Biosecurity plays a crucial role in safeguarding animal health and welfare, which in turn protects public health and sustains agricultural systems. Diseases such as avian influenza and African swine fever highlight the devastating impact of failing to prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases. However, effective biosecurity measures can ensure that livestock and wildlife are shielded from invasive pathogens, while strong veterinary systems and reliable disease reporting mechanisms enable rapid response to emerging threats.
The positive impact of biosecurity on public health is equally critical. Over 70% of emerging infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic, meaning they originate in animals. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored how biosecurity gaps can disrupt global economies, strain health systems, and cost millions of lives.
In agriculture, biosecurity is indispensable for preventing the introduction and spread of pests and diseases that devastate crops and livestock. From locust swarms in Africa to the fall armyworm spreading across continents, these threats jeopardisze food security and the livelihoods of millions. For Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which already face unique vulnerabilities, the stakes are even higher; their reliance on imported goods increases exposure to biosecurity risks, while limited resources negatively impact their ability to mount effective responses. The introduction of invasive alien species can spell doom for national animal health and food production.
Despite these challenges, innovative solutions offer hope.
Technology, a powerful tool in biosecurity management
Artificial intelligence and data analytics are being used to forecast disease outbreaks and enhance surveillance systems. In Barbados, the Climate Resilient Artificial Intelligence Trade Ecosystem of Data (CREAIT) serves as a model for how data-driven solutions can strengthen biosecurity frameworks by harnessing trade related data (bar-code oriented). Tools such as drones and geographic information systems (GIS) are increasingly being employed to monitor the spread of invasive species, providing real-time data that informs decision-making.
Community-based approaches also hold significant promise
Grassroots engagement is crucial for fostering awareness and empowering local populations to report and manage biosecurity risks. Educational campaigns tailored to specific communities can demystify biosecurity and emphasise its importance, particularly in areas heavily reliant on agriculture and tourism.
The One Health framework offers a holistic approach to biosecurity by integrating animal, human, plant and environmental health sectors. This interdisciplinary collaboration has contributed to addressing complex biosecurity challenges. Integrated pest management strategies, for example, reduce reliance on chemical pesticides while promoting ecological balance. Similarly, initiatives like “Grass to Gas,” which converts vegetation into biomethane, address overgrown lots that serve as breeding grounds for disease vectors, contributing to both biosecurity and renewable energy goals.
International collaboration remains key to effective biosecurity. Organisations like the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) play a critical role in coordinating global efforts, sharing expertise, and fostering partnerships between nations.
Biosecurity is a global imperative that touches every aspect of sustainable development. It protects health, secures food systems, fosters economic resilience, and preserves biodiversity and ecosystems. For SIDS, whose survival hinges on the delicate balance between their natural resources and economic activities, biosecurity is a vital.
As the world continues to face overlapping crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, investing in biosecurity is no longer optional—it is essential.
By embracing innovative solutions, fostering collaboration, and adopting a One Health approach, we can build resilient systems that protect both people and the planet. The time to act is now.
The Animal Echo aims to promote individual and collective understanding of animal health and welfare. We bring you insights and opinions from experts across the world. The opinions expressed in The Animal Echo are those of the author (s) and may not necessarily reflect WOAH’s official position.