Biosecurity practices in live animal markets in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova supply chains: A ruminant-focused assessment

Abstract

Live animal markets (LAMs) are central to livestock trade but can also facilitate the spread of endemic or emerging diseases, making biosecurity a highly relevant tool for risk reduction. As such, this study evaluates biosecurity practices and identifies potential gaps in implementation in LAMs trading ruminants in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova. Across all four countries, 41 markets were visited from April to July 2025. Biosecurity practices were assessed through visual observation and face-to-face interviews with market managers and users, using structured surveys. Results showed that although some measures were applied, significant gaps in biosecurity remained, including a lack of infrastructure in some LAMs, partial segregation, inadequate cleaning and disinfection of animal holding areas, and minimal post-market quarantine of traded animals, among others. Nevertheless, LAMs with personnel trained in biosecurity implementation more consistently and comprehensively applied measures, regardless of structural limitations. Both managers and users expressed interest in improving biosecurity, highlighting opportunities for context-specific interventions through sustained stakeholder engagement and infrastructural improvements. Beyond these findings, this study piloted a survey-based assessment intended for future comparative assessment and longitudinal monitoring of biosecurity in LAMs.