Preliminary insight into horse owners’ perceptions of, and attitudes towards, exotic diseases in the United Kingdom

Abstract

BackgroundThe potential for an exotic disease incursion is a significant concern for the United Kingdom (UK) equine industry. Horse owners’ perceptions of, and attitudes towards, exotic diseases can influence decisions to adopt disease preparedness strategies. The objectives of this study were to describe horse owners’ 1) perceptions of the term ‘exotic disease’, and 2) attitudes towards their risk of being affected by an exotic disease. In order to address these objectives, qualitative content analysis was undertaken on data collected using two open-ended survey questions.ResultsHorse owners (n = 423) perceived exotic diseases as 1) belonging somewhere else, and 2) a dangerous threat to their horse(s). The term ‘exotic’ was associated with being foreign, non-native, and out-of-place in the UK. Attitudes towards exotic disease risk were summarised into four categories: 1) responsible horse owners prevent disease, 2) horse owners need support to stop disease spread, 3) risk depends on proximity to the ‘risky’ horse, and 4) some risk is inevitable. A ‘responsible’ owner was aware of health hazards and took actions to protect their horse from disease. Reliance on others, including stakeholders, to uphold disease prevention in the community led to feeling vulnerable to disease threats. When evaluating risk, horse owners considered which horses were the ‘riskiest’ to their horse’s health (horses that travelled, participated in competitions, or were simply unfamiliar) and avoided situations where they could interact. Despite undertaking disease prevention measures, the perceived uncontrollable nature of exotic diseases led some owners to feel an incursion was inevitable.ConclusionsWithout accounting for horse owners’ perceptions of, and attitudes towards, exotic diseases, recommendations to increase preparedness may be ineffective. Improved communication among stakeholders in the industry may assist in clarifying expectations for exotic disease-specific prevention measures. A collaborative approach among horse owners and stakeholders is recommended to improve disease preparedness within the industry.

COVID-19 impacts equine welfare: Policy implications for laminitis and obesity

“…In addition, results from the current study suggest that extensive planning, comprehensive yard rules, and strict biosecurity protocols were more likely to be positively perceived by industry stakeholders. These findings are consistent with those of Spence et al [ 26 ], who found that, with regard to exotic disease, horse owners were more likely to perceive others as responsible where they had employed measures to minimize the spread of disease. The reputation of equestrian businesses, as well as the health and safety of individuals who access those businesses, may be promoted through the provision of biosecurity training to the managers of equestrian establishments.…”

Challenges to exotic disease preparedness in Great Britain: The frontline veterinarian's perspective

“…27 A previous study of horse owners in the United Kingdom described a sense of distrust in whether the government would engage in equine disease outbreaks given that they were not farm animals. 28 Furthermore, several studies have reported that distrust in authorities was a barrier to veterinarians reporting notifiable diseases, even when it was mandated. 29,30 Despite the usefulness of veterinarians using personal support networks when presented with clinical uncertainty, developing and strengthening trust between veterinarians and the government is needed to ensure that suspected exotic diseases are actually reported, as mandated.…”

“…In 2010, local veterinarians in the county of Devon, UK, criticised the lack of communication from the government about a confirmed case of EIA in their region 27 . A previous study of horse owners in the United Kingdom described a sense of distrust in whether the government would engage in equine disease outbreaks given that they were not farm animals 28 . Furthermore, several studies have reported that distrust in authorities was a barrier to veterinarians reporting notifiable diseases, even when it was mandated 29,30 .…”

The challenges of pig farming in Hong Kong: a study of farmers’ perceptions and attitudes towards a pig health and production management service

“…This perception by farmers of such service providers has been previously identified in other livestock industries and countries in response to feeling sceptical about advice provided [ 29 ] or actions taken during a crisis [ 30 ]. While in other countries, the relationship between on-farm veterinarians and farmers would be seen to bridge this gap [ 31 ], this is not the case in Hong Kong, where on-farm livestock veterinarians are not presently available. To be successful in this environment, clear communication about the goals, role and limitations of the new on-farm service is essential, and these should be aligned with the needs of farmers [ 32 ].…”