Associations between farmer demographics, management practices and attitudes towards bovine viral diarrhoea and its control

Abstract

Farmer participation is crucial to the successful mitigation of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) associated losses. This study aimed to identify producer groups most likely to benefit from BVD education by assessing the relationships between demographic and management variables, biosecurity behaviours and BVD awareness. A postal survey of South Australian cattle farmers was conducted, with 631 responses received and analysed. The survey tested attitudes and interests towards and perceived and demonstrable knowledge of BVD. Increases in the respondents’ perceived understanding, knowledge and interest scores were observed when Pestigard® was routinely used and when Pestivirus testing had been conducted in the herd. Perceived understanding and knowledge scores were also increased when quarantine procedures are in place, when the producer had attended a BVD seminar or educational session, or was aware of the Bovine Johnes Disease Market Assurance Program. Regular use of either 5in1 or 7in1 vaccinations was associated with increased knowledge of BVDV, while health and vaccination status checks prior to introduction of new cattle are associated with increased perceived understanding of BVDV. This study revealed that uptake of positive biosecurity and BVDV specific behaviours was associated with perceived understanding, knowledge and interest in BVDV and supports the need for excellent education and awareness-raising programs in association with systematic control or eradication schemes. Improvements in knowledge of BVD could be related to improvements in other areas of animal health and biosecurity.