An analysis of cattle farmers' perceptions of drivers and barriers to on-farm control of Escherichia coli O157

Toma, L., Low, J.C., Vosough Ahmadi, B., Matthews, L. and Stott, A.W. (2015) An analysis of cattle farmers' perceptions of drivers and barriers to on-farm control of Escherichia coli O157. Epidemiology and Infection, 143(11), pp. 2355-2366. (doi: 10.1017/S0950268814003045) (PMID:25427776)

Abstract

Structural equation modelling and survey data were used to test determinants' influence on farmers' intentions towards Escherichia coli O157 on-farm control. Results suggest that farmers more likely to show willingness to spend money/time or vaccinate to control Escherichia coli O157 are those: who think farmers are most responsible for control; whose income depends more on opening farms to the public; with stronger disease control attitudes; affected by outbreaks; with better knowledge and more informed; with stronger perceptions of biosecurity measures’ practicality; using a health plan; who think farmers are the main beneficiaries of control; and whose farms are dairy rather than beef. The findings might suggest that farmers may implement on-farm controls for E. coli O157 if they identify a clear hazard and if there is greater knowledge of the safety and efficacy of the proposed controls.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Matthews, Professor Louise
• Authors: Toma, L., Low, J.C., Vosough Ahmadi, B., Matthews, L., and Stott, A.W.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Epidemiology and Infection
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• ISSN: 0950-2688
• ISSN (Online): 1469-4409