Speaker
Description
Zoonotic highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) are endemic in Europe and a threat to poultry but also mammalian health. Control strategies relied on culling of infected birds. The Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/361 enables now the European Union member states to decide for vaccination. However, the impact of a vaccination campaign depends on the successful implementation at farm level.
Using a mixed-methods approach, this study investigated HPAIV-vaccination acceptance of poultry farmers (PF). A Knowledge, Attitude and Practice online survey was conducted (n=98; 27 with outbreak experience) and revealed knowledge gaps and feasibility concerns: over 50% of PF were unaware of key requirements going along with HPAIV-vaccination, and less than half considered them feasible. While 75% supported emergency and 41% preventive vaccination, acceptance increased with outbreak experience.
Narrative interviews allowed a deeper insight into the structural barriers, including gaps in knowledge transfer, mismatches between regulation and farm realities, and tensions in trust toward authorities. The farmer’s acceptance of a vaccination approach was conceptualized as a socially embedded decision process framework. Integration of the PF perspectives in the decision-making process is critical for vaccination acceptance, which subsequently allows reduction in HPAIV field pressure by reduced shedding rates of vaccinated birds and transmission dynamics within the One Health context.
Keywords
bird flu, Europe, KAP, vaccine acceptance, survey
| Registration ID | INF26-12 |
|---|---|
| Professional status of the speaker | PhD student |
| Junior scientist status | Yes, I am a junior scientist. |
Authors
External references
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