title: A survey of biosecurity-related practices, opinions and communications across dairy farm veterinarians and advisors.
abstract: Biosecurity at farm-level can often be poorly implemented, and lack of information has been cited by many studies as a potential explanation. Veterinary practitioners (VPs) and dairy advisors (DAs) play a central role in the provision of animal health and management services to dairy farmers. The objective of this study was to document and compare biosecurity-related practices and opinions across VPs and DAs in Ireland. A selection of veterinary experts (VEs) from outside of Ireland was also surveyed. Questionnaires were completed and response rates of 47% (VPs), 97% (DAs), and 65% (VEs) were achieved. Significant differences were identified in the promotion and implementation of biosecurity between VPs and DAs, with a higher proportion of VPs regularly receiving requests from (P = 0.004), and dispensing advice to (P < 0.0001), their farm clients. Communication between DAs and VPs was sub-optimal with over 60% of each group not in regular communication with each other. With regard to the main farmer motivation for biosecurity implementation, the majority of VPs (62%) prioritised external factors such as 'economic benefit' and 'mandatory obligation', while the majority of DAs prioritised health/animal-related factors (69%), which were similar to those of farmers (83.1%), although they remained significantly less likely (OR = 1.8) than farmers to choose such motivators (P = 0.005). Inconsistencies in the implementation of, and in opinions relating to, farm biosecurity were highlighted across all the groups surveyed emphasising the need for standardised information and improved communication.
authors.affiliation: Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre (AGRIC), Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland. Electronic address: riona.sayers@teagasc.ie.
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Sayers
authors.affiliation: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Good
authors.affiliation: Epsilion Ltd, Dun Baoi, Derryquay, Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland.
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Sayers
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003142:Communication; D003612:Dairying / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D012637:Security Measures; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D018634:Veterinarians / Q000523:psychology
keywords: Advisor; Biosecurity; Communication; Dairy farmer; Ranking; Veterinarian