The project «BIO-SECURE THESSALY» addresses a threat to sheep and goat farming in Thessaly, which is affected by the outbreak of zoonotic diseases such as Rift Valley fever and Rift Valley disease. Recent crises have led to huge economic losses and revealed that the root of the problem lies in the inadequate implementation of biosafety regulations.
The project introduces an innovative approach that transforms biosafety from an unclear concept into a measurable and verifiable skill. Its innovation is based on an integrated, three-pronged system that combines the objective risk assessment with the internationally recognized digital tool Biocheck.UGent, targeted training based on the findings of the assessment, and the development of an official skills certification scheme aligned with the international standard ISO 17024.
The collaborative team consists of the University of Thessaly as the scientific core, the company Open Mellon AE, responsible for the design and implementation of the educational program, and Eurolead Consulting Services S.A., which guarantees quality through the development of the certification scheme.
The expected impact is multifaceted: at the economic level, it aims to reduce losses and increase the industry’s resilience. At the business level, it creates a new, innovative service. Finally, at the social and scientific level, it enhances the skills of producers and produces a best-practice model that can be expanded at the national level.
Overall, BIO-SECURE THESSALY is a targeted intervention that creates a «insurance contract» for the livestock industry of Thessaly, with immediate, measurable and sustainable benefits.