Pig farmers’ perceptions, attitudes, influences and management of information in the decision-making process for disease control

Abstract

Please cite this article in press as: Alarcon, P., et al., Pig farmers' perceptions, attitudes, influences and management of information in the decision-making process for disease control. PREVET (2013) a b s t r a c tThe objectives of this study were (1) to explore the factors involved in the decision-making process used by pig farmers for disease control and (2) to investigate pig farmers' attitudes and perceptions about different information sources relating to disease control. In 2011 a qualitative study involving 20 face-to-face interviews with English pig farmers was conducted. The questionnaire was composed of three parts. The first part required farmers to identify two diseases they had experienced and which were difficult to recognize and/or control. They were asked to report how the disease problem was recognized, how the need for control was decided, and what affected the choice of control approach. For the latter, a structure related to the Theory of Planned Behaviour was used. Their verbal responses were classified as associated with: (1) attitude and beliefs, (2) subjective norms, or (3) perceived behavioural control (PBC). In the second part, five key sources of information for disease control (Defra, BPEX, research from academia, internet and veterinarians) and the factors related to barriers to knowledge were investigated. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. A qualitative analysis of the text of the interview transcripts was carried out using templates.Drivers for disease control were 'pig mortality', 'feeling of entering in an economically critical situation', 'animal welfare' and 'feeling of despair'. Veterinarians were perceived by several participating farmers as the most trusted information source on disease control. However, in particular non-sustainable situations, other producers, and especially experiences from abroad, seemed to considerably influence the farmers' decision-making. 'Lack of knowledge', 'farm structure and management barriers' and 'economic constrains' were identified in relation to PBC. Several negative themes, such as 'lack of communication', 'not knowing where to look', and 'information bias' were associated with research from academia.This study identified a range of factors influencing the decision-making process for disease control by pig farmers. In addition, it highlighted the lack of awareness and difficult access of producers to current scientific research outputs. The factors identified should be considered when developing communication strategies to disseminate research findings and advice for disease control.© Please cite this article in press as: Alarcon, P., et al., Pig farmers' perceptions, attitudes, influences and management of information in the decision-making process for disease control. PREVET (2013), http://dx

Changes in perceptions and motivators that influence the implementation of on-farm Salmonella control measures by pig farmers in England

“…This has also been observed in other studies (Ellis-iversen et al, 2010;Alarcon et al, 2014;Laanen et al, 2014). Along with direct advice coming from their veterinarians, scientific evidence that an intervention can efficiently control Salmonella on farms-more specifically on their farm-was also mentioned by a third of the farmers as likely to boost their intrinsic motivation.…”

“…Two years later, due to the apparent lack of communication between intervention farms, their private veterinarians and contact farms, actions may have appeared less successful than anticipated and this may have affected their confidence and perception of possible success at the farm level. Whilst this inference is speculative, other farmers' experiences have been found to be a valuable source of information which may influence the decision making process (Alarcon et al, 2014). Additionally, poor communication or a belief that only positive news stories are shared whilst negative results are kept quiet may hinder uptake of control measures (Alarcon et al, 2014).…”

“…Whilst this inference is speculative, other farmers' experiences have been found to be a valuable source of information which may influence the decision making process (Alarcon et al, 2014). Additionally, poor communication or a belief that only positive news stories are shared whilst negative results are kept quiet may hinder uptake of control measures (Alarcon et al, 2014).…”

“…This showed that tangible and visual factors or those that are perceived as having an effect on the business's performance may affect farmer's attitude and may need to be taken into consideration when drafting a disease control plan. Alarcon (2014) also reported influential factors such as observation of ill pigs, reputation of the farm leading to difficulties selling pigs and pressure from abattoirs or contractors (customers) as drivers to control a disease (Alarcon et al, 2014).…”

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.…”