Cattle producers’ perceptions of biosecurity

BMC Veterinary Research

Robert M Christley¹  Marnie L Brennan² 

[1] Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Leahurst Campus, University of Liverpool, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK;Present address: School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK

关键词: Risk;    Perception;    Barriers;    Motivators;    Attitudes;    Prevention;    Biosecurity;    Bovine;    Cows;    Cow;    Cattle;   

Others  :  1119567
DOI  :  10.1186/1746-6148-9-71

 received in 2012-10-29, accepted in 2013-03-26,  发布年份 2013

【 摘 要 】

Background

The limited use of biosecurity practices by many in the farming community is likely to be due to a range of factors; further understanding of this issue is required. In this study, attitudes and behaviours of producers relating to selected biosecurity practices and the farming industry were studied by interviewing cattle farmers within a 100 km² study area in north-west England using an interview-based questionnaire.

Results

Most producers appeared to be familiar with the broad concept of the term biosecurity, although risks due to indirect contacts, rather than direct (animal) contacts, were more frequently highlighted. Most producers felt the nominated biosecurity practices were in some way useful, however there was not always agreement between the usefulness of a practice and it being undertaken, and vice versa. In agreement with other studies conducted in the UK, farmers most preferred to obtain information and advice on biosecurity from private veterinarians, but also highlighted DEFRA as a source.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of understanding the motivators and barriers behind the uptake of biosecurity practices on farms, as perceptions are variable. Further understanding of these issues is needed in order to more effectively communicate information in regards to herd health and disease prevention. By identifying differences in producers’ attitudes, programs can be tailored specifically to individuals’ needs.

【 授权许可】

   
2013 Brennan and Christley; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

Figure 1.

Figure 2.

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