Johne’s disease in the eyes of Irish cattle farmers: A qualitative narrative research approach to understanding implications for disease management

Abstract

Bovine Johne's Disease (JD) is a disease characterised by chronic granulomatous enteritis which manifests clinically as a protein-losing enteropathy causing diarrhoea, hypoproteinaemia, emaciation and, eventually death. Some research exists to suggest that the aetiologic pathogen Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis may pose a zoonotic risk. Nationally coordinated control programmes have been introduced in many of the major milk producing countries across the world. However, JD is challenging to control in infected herds owing to limitations of diagnostic tests and the long incubation period of the disease. Internationally, research increasingly recognises that improved understanding of farmers' subjective views and behaviours may inform and enhance disease management strategies and support the identification and implementation of best practice at farm level. The aim of this study was to use qualitative research methods to explore the values and knowledges of farmers relative to the control of JD at farm level. The Biographical Narrative Interpretive Method (BNIM) was used to generate data from both infected and presumed uninfected farms in Ireland. Qualitative analysis revealed that cultural and social capital informed farmers' decisions on whether to introduce control and preventive measures. Cultural capital refers to the pride and esteem farmers associate with particular objects and actions whereas social capital is the value that farmers associate with social relationships with others. On-farm controls were often evaluated by farmers as impractical and were frequently at odds with farmers' knowledge of calf management. Knowledge from farmers of infected herds did not disseminate among peer farmers. Owners of herds believed to be uninfected expressed a view that controls and preventive measures were not worthy of adoption until there was clear evidence of JD in the herd. These findings highlight important barriers and potential aids to prevention and control in both infected and uninfected herds.

Modeling Dynamic Human Behavioral Changes in Animal Disease Models: Challenges and Opportunities for Addressing Bias

“…Many current studies on farmer behavior rely on questionnaire survey asking self-reported practice; however, this type of study needs a careful consideration because the discrepancy between self-reported and actual behavior has been repeatedly identified ( 106 – 108 ). It may be the time to employ a more rigorous qualitative method such as biographical narrative interpretive method ( 29 , 109 )—a method to acquire interviewee's real-life experience—and quantitative studies using objective measures of farmers' behaviors ( 67 , 110 , 111 ).…”

“…For instance, Garforth et al reported that UK sheep farmers often demonstrated that they were willing to vaccinate animals against bluetongue once they heard the disease occurred in their region ( 28 ). Another qualitative study on Johne's disease suggested that farmers may not invest resources into controlling disease until they see clear evidence of disease on their farms ( 29 ). This “wait and see” attitude of farmers toward implementing on-farm biosecurity practices has been repeatedly reported in literature.…”

“…While agricultural studies suggest that information from trusted and credible farmers is the key determinant of one's uptake of knowledge and technology ( 72 , 73 ), disease studies often highlight that farmers do not exchange their disease information ( 29 , 30 , 74 ). A lack of communication between farmers on disease problems may be attributable to stigma attached to disease and potential damage to farm's reputation ( 29 , 56 ), which is particularly important if the farm sells animals to others ( 30 ). Disease information is likely to spread through specific social network of farmers and we need better understanding of the characteristics of such networks.…”

Johne’s disease in Irish dairy herds: considerations for an effective national control programme

“…Although financial considerations are important for some farmers, personal values and belief systems also influence their behaviour [25]. The perceived level of disease in a country and a farmer's experience of controlling other diseases impacts farmers' views about the importance of control programmes, and thus the likelihood of success [26].…”

Farmers' Decision Making on Livestock Trading Practices: Cowshed Culture and Behavioral Triggers Amongst New Zealand Dairy Farmers

“…Under this framing, various practices associated with livestock trading have been previously studied including maintaining a closed herd (12, 13), verifying the disease status of purchased animals (14–16), and considering the disease risk status of source farms and regions (10, 17). Other studies suggested that farmers perceive these practices as being effective, but often impractical (18), which may partially explain why farmers do not often implement these measures. These studies often use behavioralist approaches that focus on the motives, values, and attitudes that determine farmers' decisions.…”