Perceptions of vulnerability to a future outbreak: a study of horse managers affected by the first Australian equine influenza outbreak

Abstract

BackgroundA growing body of work shows the benefits of applying social cognitive behavioural theory to investigate infection control and biosecurity practices. Protection motivation theory has been used to predict protective health behaviours. The theory outlines that a perception of a lack of vulnerability to a disease contributes to a reduced threat appraisal, which results in poorer motivation, and is linked to poorer compliance with advised health protective behaviours. This study, conducted following the first-ever outbreak of equine influenza in Australia in 2007, identified factors associated with horse managers’ perceived vulnerability to a future equine influenza outbreak.ResultsOf the 200 respondents, 31.9% perceived themselves to be very vulnerable, 36.6% vulnerable and 31.4% not vulnerable to a future outbreak of equine influenza. Multivariable logistic regression modelling revealed that managers involved in horse racing and those on rural horse premises perceived themselves to have low levels of vulnerability. Managers of horse premises that experienced infection in their horses in 2007 and those seeking infection control information from specific sources reported increased levels of perceived vulnerability to a future outbreak.ConclusionDifferent groups across the horse industry perceived differing levels of vulnerability to a future outbreak. Increased vulnerability contributes to favourable infection control behaviour and hence these findings are important for understanding uptake of recommended infection control measures. Future biosecurity communication strategies should be delivered through information sources suitable for the horse racing and rural sectors.

Emergence of social groups after a biosecurity incursion

“…Often, the biosecurity behaviours that passive adopters engaged in were rote and designed to meet requirements, rather than coherent and planned biosecurity response procedures for the farm. These results align with past evidence that shows how past experiences with a biosecurity outbreak can influence perceptions of vulnerability to a future outbreak and facilitate favourable intentions to implement future biosecurity measures (Schemann et al 2013). It may also be that for some growers, the Panama TR4 incursion was viewed as a relief, allowing burned out or disengaged banana growers to view Panama TR4 as an opportunity to pursue other things.…”

Zoonotic disease risk perceptions in the British veterinary profession

“…the more concerned an individual is about a disease, the higher risk they perceive it poses. If an individual feels vulnerable, this acts as a motivator for behaviour change (Schemann et al, 2013). This behavioural model has been applied to horse owners following the equine influenza outbreak in Australia where different levels of perceived vulnerability were identified in a cross section of the equine sector (Schemann et al, 2013(Schemann et al, , 2011.…”

Quantifying the burden of vampire bat rabies in Peruvian livestock

“…Independently of spatial effects, reporting and prevention practices may increase with socio-economic status [ 20 , 26 ] because those with higher incomes are better able to access health resources and to pay for vaccines. Reporting and vaccination may also increase with perceptions of heightened disease risk [ 27 , 28 ], greater trust in the health authorities [ 19 , 29 ] and better knowledge of veterinary services [ 25 ]. Finally, environmental features underlying risk may be important.…”