Differences in the perceptions of farmers and veterinary surgeons about the efficacy of mitigation strategies for controlling bluetongue

Abstract

This study used adaptive conjoint analysis to quantify veterinary surgeons' and farmers' perceptions of a number of previously identified, viable mitigation strategies for controlling bluetongue. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey and face-to-face interviews. A total of 178 completed questionnaires were collected, 121 from farmers and 57 from veterinary surgeons. There were strong significant differences between the strength of preference of farmers and veterinary surgeons for a number of strategies. There was also large variation in the strength of preference among veterinary surgeons with respect to options involving vaccination. The results suggest uncertainty among both veterinary surgeons and farmers regarding the efficacy of current strategies, and suggest the need for dissemination of information to veterinary surgeons and farmers to be better coordinated.