Utilizing qualitative methods in survey design: Examining Texas cattle producers’ intent to participate in foot-and-mouth disease detection and control

Distribution of cow-calf producers’ beliefs regarding gathering and holding their cattle and observing animal movement restrictions during an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease

“…These behaviors represent important targets for risk communication, since enhanced cooperation may reduce the size and severity of an outbreak. Some efforts have been made to understand producers' beliefs about disease reporting or on-farm disease control (Hopp et al, 2007;Heffernan et al, 2008;Palmer et al, 2009;Elbers et al, 2010;Delgado et al, 2012;Alarcon et al, 2014;Garforth et al, 2013) and the consequences of reporting on the severity of an outbreak Carpenter et al, 2011). However, other important producer behaviors which could impact the severity of a disease outbreak have received minimal attention.…”

“…Based on forage quality or availability, cattle may be stocked at very low stocking densities, allowing the cattle to spread out over huge sections of land. Gathering cattle on these large properties can require the use of cowboys, dogs, and/or helicopters, at substantial expense to producers (Delgado et al, 2012). Other areas in Texas are covered by thick brush which can make finding and moving cattle very difficult.…”

“…Some producers barricaded their farm entrances and refused access to their land, which ultimately required police intervention to resolve (Guardian, 2001). In Texas, cattle producers' refusal to gather their cattle for testing continues to be one of the major challenges to the control of the Boophilus tick, and some producers may refuse authorities access to their cattle until a judge requires them to comply, which may take up to 9 months to resolve (Delgado et al, 2012).…”

“…Our group previously identified salient beliefs related to movement ban compliance and gathering and holding cattle when requested using an interview-based, qualitative approach (Delgado et al, 2012). In that study, producer statements related to these behaviors were identified and used to generate a theoretical framework for predicting behavior.…”

Survey ofAustralian equine veterinarians evaluating their biosecurity training and perceptions and opinions about the management of the 2007 equine influenza outbreak

“…It is important to understand equine veterinarian's perceptions of the outbreak management, as successful management of an emergency animal disease crisis requires consideration of all stakeholders and good communications. 15,16 Veterinarians can contribute through good infection control practices in the field and by giving biosecurity advice to clients.…”