Exploring pig farmers' decision-making concerning biosecurity measures against African Swine Fever.

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.

Large-scale assessment of German dairy farmers´ personality and resulting ideas for improving veterinary consultancy.

The here presented investigation was part of a cross-sectional study on dairy cattle health aiming to identify risk factors for animal health and welfare. Within this setting, we chose a social-science related approach to explore German dairy farmers' personality composition in a variable-centered and person-centered approach. We have assessed German dairy farmers' personalities based on the HEXACO model of personality in three representative regional samples. In total, 765 farm visits were conducted within two and half years (north n = 253; east n = 252; south n = 260). The proportions of returned questionnaires eligible for analysis (i.e., answered completely) were 71.54% (n = 181), 68.25% (n = 172) and 86.92% (n = 226) for the northern, eastern and southern samples, respectively. Variable-centered personality analyses revealed the farmers' structure of personality to be similar within all samples. Overall, we found the farmers to be averagely emotional and agreeable, whereas the results indicate tendencies for a pronounced display of extraversion, conscientiousness and openness to experience. Compared to the German general population, dairy farmers appear to be more extraverted and open to experience. We could not deduce a subcategorization of farmers in different latent personality profiles in person-centered analysis. Our findings provide a basis for further evaluation of the farmers´ personality as an influencing factor for farm outcomes (e.g., productivity, animal health and welfare). Furthermore, we provide a glance and encourage interdisciplinary research to link personality information with communication theory aiming to enhance effectiveness of veterinary consultancy.