Veterinary vaccination advice and perceived farmer compliance on UK dairy farms

Abstract

Vaccination is a commonly used disease control strategy in dairy farming in the UK. Farmers perceive their veterinarian to be the most important source of information for vaccination advice. However, poor compliance and perceived confusion on appropriate vaccination strategies suggest that there is variation in the advice that farmers are receiving. This study compared veterinarians', veterinary students' and farmers' perceptions and approach to vaccination strategies on dairy farms through the use of survey questions, discussion groups and a posed case scenario. The vaccination advice for one case scenario was variable between many participants in this study. Results suggest that although veterinarians are aware of suboptimal farmer compliance, and they recognise the motivators and barriers of farmers to comply with vaccination, actions to improve farmer compliance could be improved. Suggestions are given to provide veterinarians with, currently lacking, information which is helpful in the decision‐making process to achieve the best vaccination advice. The study also addresses potential areas which may aid communication and compliance when implementing vaccination strategies on UK dairy farms.

Factors influencing veterinary surgeons’ decision‐making about dairy cattle vaccination

“…It therefore follows that decision-making around vaccination and disease control on farms should be emphasised in the undergraduate veterinary curriculum. Cresswell and others (2013) showed that there was a difference in vaccination advice given by vets in practice versus final year students. This difference could be attributed to a lack of knowledge of cattle vaccination and the absence of clinical experience to determine the advice and information relevant to a particular farm.…”

“…Previous research can offer a useful insight into the question of vets’ vaccine‐related decision‐making. For example, in a discussion group study of vets’ opinions on dairy cattle vaccination, Cresswell and others (2013) highlighted a concern regarding variation in vaccination advice from vets. The authors suggested that this was partly the result of a lack of evidence‐based information, making it difficult to present a common approach to veterinary vaccination advice.…”

“…The authors suggested that this was partly the result of a lack of evidence‐based information, making it difficult to present a common approach to veterinary vaccination advice. Cresswell and others (2013) also highlighted that their study was a starting point and that further research was needed to understand vets’ perceptions of dairy cattle vaccination.…”

Farmers’ perception of the role of veterinary surgeons in vaccination strategies on British dairy farms

“… Cresswell and others (2014) as well as Meadows (2010) found evidence of poor vaccination compliance by cattle farmers to cold chain storage and administration recommendations. Dairy practitioners’ main concerns with regard to cattle vaccination also included issues of compliance ( Cresswell and others 2013 ).…”

“…Vets’ perception of their role and communication style can be at odds with farmers’ reported preferences (Hall and Wapenaar 2012). These inconsistencies as well as differences in ‘veterinarian perceived’ and ‘farmer reported’ barriers to vaccination (Cresswell and others 2013) could result in miscommunication or a lack of discussion surrounding vaccination strategies. With an improved understanding of farmers’ perceptions of the vets’ role, more tailored advice could be provided by vets.…”