Livestock Health and Food Chain Risk Assessment

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Public Health
• Food Safety Science
• Risk Assessment Methodologies

Background:

• The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in the UK proposed the EUFORA fellowship.
• The fellowship focused on Livestock Health and Food Chain Risk Assessment.
• APHA is a key governmental institution for animal and plant health safeguarding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide practical training in risk assessment for animal health and food safety.
• To enhance the understanding and application of emerging risk identification and prioritization.
• To develop expertise in surveillance, exposure assessment, and import risk analysis.

Main Methods:

• A structured four-module working program covering diverse risk assessment aspects.
• 'Learn-by-doing' approach through involvement in international expert projects.
• Attended training courses, academic lessons, and utilized modeling software.

Main Results:

• Gained hands-on experience in identifying emerging risks and applying prioritization methods.
• Developed proficiency in scanning surveillance and food production exposure assessment.
• Enhanced skills in import risk assessment for infectious diseases affecting animals and humans.

Conclusions:

• The fellowship successfully fostered practical expertise in comprehensive risk assessment for the food chain.
• Participants acquired advanced skills in evaluating animal and human infectious disease risks.
• The program facilitated the consolidation of knowledge through diverse learning activities and scientific dissemination.