Cattle farmers’ perception of biosecurity measures and the main predictors of behaviour change: The first European‐wide pilot study

Abstract

The importance of biosecurity as a strategy to prevent and control infectious diseases has increased substantially over the last few decades. Several studies have reported a low implementation level of biosecurity measures (BSM), particularly in cattle farms. In addition, a recent study demonstrated that cattle farmers are well aware of the recommended BSM and recognize them as more effective (in terms of time and costs) than treatment for disease. Therefore, other factors must be considered when it comes to understanding the decision‐making process followed by a farmer regarding the adoption of BSM. This study analysed the possible influence of five mental constructs described in the health belief model (HBM) on the adoption of BSM and assessed the possible association of these constructs with different demographic and socio‐psychological factors. Through an online survey, 988 questionnaires were completed by cattle farmers originating from Belgium, France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands. The study revealed that the actual implementation of the BSM seems to be significantly influenced by the farmers’ perception of the measures’ benefits and the perception of health responsibility. Both constructs are influenced by the farmers’ personality in terms of risk aversion and biosecurity knowledge. It was also found that organic farmers had a significantly lower perception of the BSM benefits and of their responsibility towards animal, public and environmental health when compared with other types of farmer. Organic farmers in this study seemed less likely to implement biosecurity measures. To increase the adoption of BSM by cattle farmers, it is therefore important to emphasise the actual evidence‐based benefits of the measures and to investigate further how to strengthen cattle farmers’ sense of responsibility towards animal, public and environmental health.

Biosecurity at Cattle Farms: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats

“…The positive outcomes could be related to herd health and productivity as well as to public health, environmental health or animal welfare. Indeed, the positive perception of cattle farming by the general public and their health responsibility appears to be of increasing importance for cattle farmers, as shown in previous studies [24,27,[34][35][36].…”

“…The measures' feasibility (26%), a relevance perceived as low in the actual context (19%) or an efficacy perceived as poor (19%) were identified as the main reasons for not implementing a specific BSM [21]. The perceived benefits of BSM were also identified among the main factors determining their implementation [24]. As documented by several researchers [4,28], the variations and contradictory biosecurity recommendations by different regulation bodies coupled with the lack of easily accessible publications of such regulations makes it confusing and difficult for farmers to comply with them.…”

“…Several studies mention that the reasons for the low adoption of the recommended BSM might come from the difference of perspective and objectives prevailing between the authorities, veterinarians and cattle farmers [5,21,24,32]. These differences often lead to a perception of insufficient or inadequate public policies on biosecurity [33].…”

“…The benefits or outcomes of BSM are the most important elements to consider in any effort to motivate farmers' uptake of recommendations [24]. According to 10 out of the 14 studies reviewed, these factors are associated with BSM implementation.…”

“…As mentioned in previous studies [4,28] and confirmed in the Belgian context [22,24], it is necessary to clarify the priority diseases to be targeted by surveillance and control programs. It is also essential to identify the priority BSM recommended for animal health professionals in order to harmonise and provide uniform communication to cattle farmers.…”