biosecurity

noun

bio·​se·​cu·​ri·​ty ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-si-ˈkyu̇r-ə-tē 

: security from exposure to harmful biological agents

also : measures taken to ensure this security

Examples of biosecurity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The agency called on countries to enhance surveillance and reporting of bird flu; improve lab capacity; develop and implement preparedness plans; consider vaccinations in the response; and to promote risk management through biosecurity. —Joseph Choi, The Hill, 18 Mar. 2025

Although poultry vaccines were studied, biosecurity measures and culling flocks with sick birds have been the strategy to take on the virus. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2025

Officials credit close surveillance of wild migratory birds, a slew of biosecurity measures — and a little luck. —Karen Kucher, Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2025

This was broken down into $500 million for biosecurity measures, $400 million for financial relief to affected farmers, and $100 million for vaccine research and exploring temporary import options. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for biosecurity

• immaturity
• insecurity
• prematurity
• cybersecurity
• impurity
• maturity
• obscurity
• security
• purity
• surety

Medical Definition

biosecurity

noun

bio·​se·​cu·​ri·​ty ˌbī-ō-si-ˈkyu̇r-ə-tē 

: security from exposure to harmful biological agents (such as pathogenic microorganisms)

You would expect the organisation responsible for ensuring biosecurity in labs working with dangerous animal pathogens like foot and mouth disease to know about any accidents that have occurred in those labs.

—Linda Geddes, New Scientist

also : measures taken to ensure this security

In areas where poultry farms are on adjoining or nearby properties or in areas tied together by common waterways, roads, or flyways, the risk of disease spread from one farm to another is greatly increased no matter what type of biosecurity is practiced by individual farms.

—Carol J. Cardona, in Avian Influenza