Project background

The growing risk of transboundary and emerging animal diseases across Europe highlights the importance of effective biosecurity measures throughout the livestock production chain. Insemination technicians operate directly within farms and therefore play an important role in preventing the introduction and spread of infectious animal diseases. As the largest bovine genetics provider in Switzerland, Swissgenetics initiated this training program to strengthen hygiene awareness and preparedness among artificial insemination technicians delivering services to cattle farms across Switzerland.

Our Work

We designed and conducted a practice-oriented training program tailored to the operational realities of insemination technicians working in the field. The trainings focused on personal hygiene measures, transmission pathways of relevant animal diseases, and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in routine and outbreak situations.

The program was delivered as a series of interactive in-personsessions across multiple regions of Switzerland, including German- andFrench-speaking areas. The training combined technical input with practicaldemonstrations and hands-on exercises to support applied learning andimplementation in daily field operations.

Key topics included the role of field staff in animal disease prevention, direct and indirect transmission pathways, hygiene protocols infield settings, and the correct use, removal, and disposal of protective clothing. Participants also engaged in practical exercises to safely apply PPE procedures while avoiding contamination risks. In addition, the sessions addressed common mistakes in hygiene management and encouraged discussion around practical challenges encountered in the field.

The training concept was designed to strengthen both individual safety and broader biosecurity awareness, supporting the prevention of disease transmission between farms and contributing to preparedness for potential animal disease outbreaks.