Moskalenko Lidiia, Mõtus Kerli, Viltrop Arvo
Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, F.R.Kreutzwaldi, 51014, Tartu, Estonia.
Acta Vet Scand. 2025 Aug 27;67(1):41. doi: 10.1186/s13028-025-00822-9.
Veterinarians are key stakeholders in fighting African Swine Fever (ASF), yet their awareness, perceptions and attitudes of ASF are often unknown. This is crucial, especially in Estonia where ASF has persisted for almost 10 years. We conducted five focus groups involving 11 farm veterinarians and 4 assistants working on Estonian commercial pig farms. Using participatory methods, we revealed their awareness of ASF signs, transmission routes, and preventive measures. Furthermore, we identified perceived obstacles to the implementation and maintenance of ASF biosecurity measures and their acceptance of control measures. Finally, we investigated veterinarians' awareness of stakeholders in ASF control, their role and trust to fulfil these roles.
Haemorrhages on skin, mucosa and organs, along with fever, loss of appetite, and increased mortality were frequently mentioned as first signs that would lead veterinary staff to suspect ASF infection in the herd. The highest risk of virus introduction into the herd was designated to humans, transport vehicles, and bedding. Training of people and disinfection with movement restrictions were considered the most effective measures for preventing ASF. The motivation and attitude of farm employees, and financial constraints were perceived as major obstacles impacting implementation and maintenance of ASF biosecurity measures. Herd-level ASF eradication measures were generally accepted, except for culling. The majority acknowledged its necessity, while others advocated for a case-by-case approach or suggested using the animals for food. Establishing restricted zones I, II, and III received the least acceptance, with concerns over market access, product prices, economic hardships for farmers, and inconsistencies in zoning practices across the EU. Pigkeepers and veterinary authorities were seen as the key stakeholders in ASF control, with veterinarians and pigkeepers being the most trusted to fulfil their roles.
Veterinary staff demonstrated good awareness of ASF signs, transmission routes, and preventive measures. Further training in ASF control measures remains relevant in areas related to the EU and national legislation, involved parties and their roles, to ensure effective implementation and collaboration with stakeholders. This study provides insights into refining ASF communication strategies and identifying potential blind spots in biosecurity practices in Estonia.
兽医是抗击非洲猪瘟（ASF）的关键利益相关者，然而他们对ASF的认识、看法和态度往往并不为人所知。这一点至关重要，尤其是在ASF已持续近10年的爱沙尼亚。我们组织了5个焦点小组，参与人员包括11名农场兽医和4名在爱沙尼亚商业养猪场工作的助手。通过参与式方法，我们揭示了他们对ASF症状、传播途径和预防措施的认识。此外，我们确定了ASF生物安全措施实施和维持过程中存在的可感知障碍以及他们对控制措施的接受程度。最后，我们调查了兽医对ASF防控利益相关者的认识、他们的作用以及履行这些职责的信任度。
皮肤、黏膜和器官出血，以及发热、食欲不振和死亡率上升，经常被提及为会导致兽医怀疑猪群感染ASF的首要症状。病毒传入猪群的最高风险被认定为人、运输车辆和垫料。人员培训和有行动限制的消毒被认为是预防ASF最有效的措施。农场员工的积极性和态度以及资金限制被视为影响ASF生物安全措施实施和维持的主要障碍。除扑杀外，猪群层面的ASF根除措施普遍被接受。大多数人承认其必要性，而其他人则主张逐案处理或建议将这些动物用作食物。设立I、II和III类限制区的接受度最低，人们担心市场准入、产品价格、农民经济困难以及欧盟各地分区做法不一致。养猪户和兽医当局被视为ASF防控的关键利益相关者，兽医和养猪户在履行其职责方面最受信任。
兽医工作人员对ASF症状、传播途径和预防措施表现出良好的认识。在与欧盟和国家立法、相关各方及其作用有关的领域，进一步开展ASF控制措施培训仍然很有必要，以确保有效实施并与利益相关者合作。本研究为完善ASF沟通策略和识别爱沙尼亚生物安全实践中的潜在盲点提供了见解。
