Biosecurity on Finnish cattle, pig and sheep farms – results from a questionnaire

Sahlström, Leena; Virtanen, Terhi; Kyyrö, Jonna; Lyytikäinen, Tapani

doi:10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.07.004

Cited by 62 publications

(53 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…herdspecific clothing and disinfection footbaths) were better applied in pig and poultry herds, while further enhancement of preventive measures concerning contact with other animals within and between herds was possible for all types of livestock (pigs, poultry and cattle). Also other studies observed a higher implementation of biosecurity measures in pig herds compared to cattle herds (Nöremark et al, 2010;Sahlström et al, 2014).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 83%

A survey on biosecurity and management practices in selected Belgian cattle farms

Sarrazin

Cay

Laureyns

et al. 2014

Preventive Veterinary Medicine

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 83%

A survey on biosecurity and management practices in selected Belgian cattle farms

Sarrazin

Cay

Laureyns

et al. 2014

Preventive Veterinary Medicine

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“…; Nöremark & Sternberg Lewerin ; Sahlström et al . ). However, our study reveals that dairy farmers differ considerably from other types of farmers in their high proportion of farmers that consider regular exposure to infections beneficial to animal health.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Differing perceptions – Swedish farmers’ views of infectious disease control

Frössling

Nöremark²

2016

Veterinary Medicine & Sci

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Although farm biosecurity reduces the risk of disease spread among livestock, this knowledge is not always applied. Farmers’ application of disease preventive measures is expected to depend on many things, e.g. whether they consider disease prevention possible and demographic factors. In this study, Swedish livestock farmers’ perspectives on occurrence, control and communication related to infectious livestock diseases were investigated. A questionnaire study was performed in 2012–2013, and included responses from almost 2000 livestock farmers with cattle, pigs, sheep or goats. Associations between responses and factors related to herd type and demography were investigated using multivariable regression models. Results showed a strong general agreement among farmers that disease prevention is important. However, results also showed differing opinions among farmers. For example, female farmers indicated higher levels of perceived knowledge of disease spread and a stronger belief that they can prevent disease introduction. Results indicate that farmers who believe they have the necessary knowledge, have stronger sense of control and also demand that others take responsibility to prevent spread. Furthermore, dairy farmers were more likely to respond that repeated exposure to infections could be beneficial for animal health. The number of perceived disease outbreaks was also higher among these farmers. Regarding government issued compensation to farmers in case of outbreaks, a wide range of opinions were recorded. Responses confirm that the farm veterinarian is an important source of disease information and several different communication channels are needed to reach farmers. In conclusion, our results show that factors such as gender, education level and age influence how prevention and occurrence of disease outbreaks are perceived and best communicated. We suggest that efforts are made to increase knowledge about disease prevention among farmers and veterinary practitioners and that farm veterinarians should be encouraged to motivate farmers to strengthen farm biosecurity.

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“…Much work has previously been carried out by researchers looking at the biosecurity measures, including vaccination [5], that are or are not employed by farmers in a number of countries across a variety of animal businesses, including cattle operations [6,7] and pig, sheep and goat operations [8,9]. Often, it has been reported that very few practices are being undertaken, particularly by cattle farmers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring Attitudes and Beliefs towards Implementing Cattle Disease Prevention and Control Measures: A Qualitative Study with Dairy Farmers in Great Britain

Brennan

Wright

Wapenaar

et al. 2016

Animals

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Simple SummaryFurther understanding of why dairy farmers do not engage in disease prevention and control strategies (biosecurity) is required. Using semi-structured interviews informed by a health psychology approach with 25 dairy farmers, a number of barriers, such as disease testing inaccuracies, types of disease transmission, perceived lack of risk and effectiveness of measures, were identified. Motivators included being advised to undertake measures by veterinarians, and the increased threat and severity of the disease in focus. These results suggest there is an advantage to farm advisors and herd health professionals understanding and working with the beliefs of individual dairy farmers to target appropriate communication and advice strategies relating to biosecurity recommendations.AbstractDisease prevention and control practices are frequently highlighted as important to ensure the health and welfare of farmed animals, although little is known as to why not many practices are carried out. The aim of this study was to identify the motivators and barriers of dairy cattle farmers towards the use of biosecurity measures on dairy farms using a health psychology approach. Twenty-five farmers on 24 farms in Great Britain (GB) were interviewed using the Theory of Planned Behaviour framework. Results indicated that farmers perceived they had the ability to control what happened on their farms in terms of preventing and controlling disease, and described benefits from being proactive and vigilant. However, barriers were cited in relation to testing inaccuracies, effectiveness and time-efficiency of practices, and disease transmission route (e.g., airborne transmission). Farmers reported they were positively influenced by veterinarians and negatively influenced by the government (Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)) and the general public. Decisions to implement practices were influenced by the perceived severity of the disease in question, if disease was diagnosed on the farm already, or was occurring on other farms. Farmers described undertaking a form of personal risk assessment when deciding if practices were worth doing, which did not always involve building in disease specific factors or opinions from veterinarians or other advisors. These results indicate that further guidance about the intricacies of control and prevention principles in relation to specific animal diseases may be required, with an obvious role for veterinarians. There appears to be an opportunity for farm advisors and herd health professionals to further understand farmer beliefs behind certain attitudes and target communication and advice accordingly to further enhance dairy cattle health and welfare.

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Biosecurity on Finnish cattle, pig and sheep farms – results from a questionnaire

Cited by 62 publications

References 13 publications

A survey on biosecurity and management practices in selected Belgian cattle farms

A survey on biosecurity and management practices in selected Belgian cattle farms

Differing perceptions – Swedish farmers’ views of infectious disease control

Exploring Attitudes and Beliefs towards Implementing Cattle Disease Prevention and Control Measures: A Qualitative Study with Dairy Farmers in Great Britain

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