PSV-5 Dairy worker perspectives on performing euthanasia as an essential component of their job

Abstract

Euthanasia is a critical component of dairy management as it provides a way to alleviate animal suffering. Limited research explores dairy worker perspectives regarding their role in performing euthanasia or the impact of this practice on worker wellbeing. Additionally, training offered to caretakers is inconsistent in content and frequency and lacks cultural congruence. This project aimed to identify how euthanasia methods, procedures, and training affect caretaker attitudes towards performing on-farm euthanasia, job satisfaction and sense of well-being of dairy workers and managers. Focus groups, facilitated by Colorado State University researchers, were conducted at five large Colorado dairies. Thirty-eight animal caretakers (workers, n = 29; managers, n = 8; and veterinarians, n = 1) participated in focus groups according to their job description and language of choice (English or Spanish). Focus groups were recorded for subsequent transcription and translation. Thematic analysis was performed to identify recurring themes in the transcripts. Themes that emerged from the focus groups included: stressors related to physical, work, and social environments; euthanasia techniques, frequency, process, decision making, and who performs this task; the language used when referring to euthanasia; animal welfare; and the effect of the human-animal bond on euthanasia decision-making and performing euthanasia. Preliminary analysis of themes indicated that multiple factors influence how euthanasia is performed and the euthanasia decision-making process. Additionally, euthanasia and job-related tasks were identified as sources of stress for dairy workers. Strength of the human-animal bond and worker compassion towards the animals they care for were evident for all participants. Initial analysis showed a lack of caretaker awareness regarding mental health services available in their community. Training programs on dairy farms should incorporate worker health and safety, particularly as it pertains to performing euthanasia, and address the mental wellbeing of dairy workers. Information regarding mental health services in the community should also be accessible to caretakers.

Preliminary Study Exploring Caretaker Perspectives of Euthanasia on Swine Operations

“…Despite the fact that most workers indicated that euthanasia training was adequate, approximately one-third of respondents indicated that they would like to have more euthanasia training. Similarly, in other studies in swine and dairy caretakers, individuals have indicated a desire for more training with particular mention of in-person, on-the-job training [29,34,39,42]. In similar survey studies with livestock veterinarians, the participating veterinarians have indicated the desire to conduct more euthanasia training [4,6].…”

“…euthanizing pigs" and 93% (42) agreed with the statement "I feel as though the euthanasia process on the farm is necessary".…”

“…Most respondents disagreed with the statement "I feel emotionally upset when performing euthanasia" (30, 67%) but almost half (19, 42%) indicated that "it would bother me if my job was to euthanize all the pigs that needed to be euthanized every day" and the majority (30, 67%) agreed that "euthanizing pigs becomes easier the more that I do it". Ninety-six percent (43) of respondents agreed that "euthanasia is a humane way to end an animal's suffering" and 93% (42) said that "it was more humane to euthanize an animal that is suffering rather than let them die naturally." Nintey-one percent (41) of caretakers agreed that "there are often good reasons for euthanizing pigs" and 93% (42) agreed with the statement "I feel as though the euthanasia process on the farm is necessary".…”

“…Ninety-six percent (43) of respondents agreed that "euthanasia is a humane way to end an animal's suffering" and 93% (42) said that "it was more humane to euthanize an animal that is suffering rather than let them die naturally." Nintey-one percent (41) of caretakers agreed that "there are often good reasons for euthanizing pigs" and 93% (42) agreed with the statement "I feel as though the euthanasia process on the farm is necessary".…”