Investigating drivers of biosecurity engagement and approaches for improving this engagement among egg producers in Australia

Previous research in the Australian poultry industry identified the need for increased adoption of biosecurity practices on Australian egg farms, across cage, barn and free-range production systems. The aim of this project was to determine the factors that influence adoption of biosecurity practices by Australian egg producers, and provide direction on initiatives that may help improve adoption across all sectors within the industry. Through literature reviews coupled with stakeholder surveys and interviews, this project identified several factors that impact adoption of biosecurity practices in the Australian egg industry including-

While egg producers may be able to access relevant information relating to biosecurity practices, there is a wide variation in producer ability to relate the information to their situation.

Complex regulatory, approval and permit systems has resulted in a costly operating environment, which potentially influences whether a particular biosecurity practice is adopted or not.

The outcomes from this project highlight the complexity of changing practices on farm and provide direction for the Australian egg industry in its efforts to improve adoption of biosecurity practices on farm.