Linking farmers’ views of bovine tuberculosis to biosecurity behaviours

Highlights

• This mixed methods study links beliefs about bovine tuberculosis to behaviour.

• Semi-structured interviews with farmers show some fatalistic attitudes towards bTB.

• Farmers have good knowledge of recommended biosecurity measures to reduce risk.

• Comprehension and awareness of bTB are not associated with biosecurity behaviour.

• Belief in how effective the measures will be is associated with biosecurity behaviour.

Abstract

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an endemic disease. Eradication programmes generally involve state test-and-cull protocols, biosecurity standards and vaccination or culling of wildlife. This paper investigates how farmers' perceptions of bTB and eradication attempts influence their own behaviour. Qualitative research has highlighted specific perceptions that may influence behaviour. The present mixed-methods study began with a qualitative analysis, involving semi-structured interviews with 60 farmers. Consistent with international evidence, we find pessimism and a perceived lack of control around bTB, coupled with scepticism of biosecurity measures. A pre-registered quantitative study then tested the association between these beliefs and biosecurity behaviour among 824 farmers. The online study measured biosecurity behaviour on the farm as well as knowledge, awareness and perceived efficacy of biosecurity measures and beliefs about eradication. Although we find diversity in knowledge of bTB and awareness of biosecurity measures, these two factors are not associated with behaviour. Rather, biosecurity behaviour is most strongly linked to how effective farmers perceive the measures to be. The research was funded by the Government of Ireland's Department of Agriculture (DAFM).