Project description
From lab to farm: a look at the transport of microbial pathogens
How do pathogens and diseases enter a farm? Scientists are finding ways to trace and monitor the transport of microorganisms in order to learn about the channel and the microorganism. In this context, the EU-funded HE-FARM project will develop a methodology based on lab and field tests. The aim is to predict transport-channel biosecurity and increase maturity of several disruptive novel techs. Prototypes of novel technologies for biosecurity will also be developed and validated in operational environments like cow, pig and chicken farms, a slaughter and meat preparation plant and trucks. The project is in line with the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy for a fair and healthy food system.
Objective
In spite of the huge number of pathogens and diseases, the number of “transmission channels” or “transport routes” for microorganisms to enter in a farm or any other Farm2Fork facility is indeed limited to just nine. Tracing or monitoring transport of a single or a few microorganisms using a particular channel will provide valuable information on the channel itself and therefore on the transport effectiveness for the whole set of microorganisms using that particular channel. HE-FARM will develop and validate a methodology -based on experimental assays and tests in lab & operational env- to assess and predict transport-channel resolved biosecurity and simultaneously increase maturity of several disruptive novel techs. A software/APP will be created to help with these procedures and proposed as a draft for a future EN standard.
Prototypes of novel technologies for biosecurity will additionally be developed and validated in operational environment -including extensive and intensive cow, pig, chicken, turkey, sheep and snail farms, a slaughter and meat preparation plant and trucks:
Fast Integrated air-borne virus smart detector (PRRS and Avian Flue but easily extendable to other virus with an enormous like African Swine Fever whose early detection in air in minutes will have an enormous impact)
Sanitization by low-toxicity biocides & dynamic aggregation.
Low-toxicity insecticides & repellents & dynamic aggregation application & Env-Friendly Insect and Arachnids barrier and prevention techs.
Rapid Vehicle decon. station.
Biosecure & Env-Friendly Hall & Heat Venting and Cooling.
Portable Low-cost test-device for fast measuring microbiological metabolism.
Cold plasma farm water sanitization.
Usage and training procedures and manuals & assessment of performance method.
Finally at least other 3 biosecure techs externally provided selected in an open call will be experimentally tested.
Comm. & dissemination include liaising with authorities like EFSA and OIE.
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HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation ActionsCoordinator
28801 Alcala De Henares/Madrid
Spain