Understanding farmers’ biosecurity beliefs and behaviours related to antimicrobial resistant bacteria in Michigan, USA
Jessica D. Garcia A , Andrew G. Huff B C and Emily S. Huff D E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
B College of Veterinary Medicine, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, Room A110, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
C College of Social Science, Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
D College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University, 480 Wilson Road, Room 126, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
E Corresponding author. Email: ehuff@msu.edu
Animal Production Science 60(5) 674-682 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN18765
Submitted: 29 June 2018 Accepted: 9 July 2019 Published: 7 February 2020
Abstract
Context: Antimicrobial resistant bacteria (AMRB) are transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa through many pathways, and AMRB has been an issue on farms and in food production systems.
Aims: The aim of this exploratory study was to understand what preventative measures farmers may or may not be using to decrease human and animal exposure to AMRB in Central Michigan, and develop a set of measures for biosecurity behaviours.
Methods: Participants selected for the study were involved in commercial animal husbandry in central Michigan. Data from farmers were collected via a mixed methods approach. Semistructured interviews and a structured questionnaire were administered, based on the theory of planned behaviour. Data were analysed using Spearman’s rank correlation and thematic analyses.
Key results: There were no associations between sex, level of education or personal income with biosecurity beliefs or behaviours. There was a positive correlation between farm revenue and the presence of pests in animal holding areas, and how often farmers quarantine new animals before adding them to their herd or flock. The farmers interviewed had increased perceived control over implementing biosecurity measures that are perceived as simple and fast to implement.
Conclusions: Generally, the farmers believed they could affect AMRB on their farms, but were not always engaging in biosecurity behaviours.
Implications: Understanding farmers’ perceptions and beliefs of biosecurity practices may help develop efficient and effective outreach, education and extension services.
Additional keywords: perception, livestock, theory of planned behaviour, values.
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