Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University for Veterinary Medicine, Buenteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
Niedersaechsische Tierseuchenkasse (Animal Disease Fund), Bruehlstrasse 9, 30169 Hannover, Germany.
Prev Vet Med. 2023 Aug;217:105949. doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105949. Epub 2023 May 30.
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a growing threat to the German pig production sector. Rigorous biosecurity measures can prevent the introduction of ASF in domestic pig farms. Increased efforts have been made to inform pig farmers and other stakeholders in the industry regarding disease prevention measures for ASF. As part of quality management in animal disease prevention, we investigated the extent to which these efforts were successful and how knowledge transfer needs to be improved. Applying a qualitative study design with open, structured face-to-face interviews, this study aimed at assessing pig farmers' decision-making processes concerning the implementation of biosecurity measures against ASF and deducing the best-fitted pathways to improve the dissemination of information among pig farmers. We developed a modified theoretical model using the Health Belief Model, Protection Motivation Theory, and Theory of Planned Behaviour as the basis for our interview questionnaire and analysis. We showed that despite the steady spread of ASF into and within Germany, most pig farmers did not perceive an increased threat to their farms. However, many pig farmers communicated their uncertainty on how to correctly implement biosecurity measures according to the law. This study identified the importance of veterinary officials and farm veterinarians as referents on the topic of biosecurity and the need for clear standards concerning biosecurity regulations. Further, it suggests the need for closer cooperation between pig farmers and these referents, and a focus on joint decision-making, taking into account the individual circumstances of the farmers.
非洲猪瘟（ASF）是德国养猪业日益面临的威胁。严格的生物安全措施可以防止 ASF 传入国内养猪场。已经做出更多努力，向养猪户和该行业的其他利益攸关方通报 ASF 的疾病预防措施。作为动物疾病预防质量管理的一部分，我们调查了这些努力的成功程度，以及需要改进知识传递的方式。本研究采用开放式、结构化的面对面访谈定性研究设计，旨在评估养猪户在实施针对 ASF 的生物安全措施方面的决策过程，并推导出改善养猪户之间信息传播的最佳途径。我们使用健康信念模型、保护动机理论和计划行为理论作为访谈问卷和分析的基础，对理论模型进行了修改。我们表明，尽管 ASF 不断传入和在德国境内传播，但大多数养猪户并没有感觉到对其农场的威胁增加。然而，许多养猪户表示不确定如何正确按照法律实施生物安全措施。本研究确定了兽医官员和农场兽医作为生物安全主题的参照者的重要性，以及关于生物安全法规的明确标准的必要性。此外，它还建议养猪户与这些参照者之间加强合作，并注重共同决策，同时考虑到农民的个人情况。
