Behavioural Factors Influencing the Intention to Adopt Sheep Scab Control Measures in Northern Ireland
Date
2024-03-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
Simple Summary
Sheep scab, caused by infestation with the ectoparasitic mite Psoroptes ovis, is endemic in Northern Ireland (NI). The disease continues to cause NI’s sheep farming industry significant challenges, negatively impacting sheep and farmer welfare. The diagnosis of sheep scab has traditionally been achieved by taking skin scrape samples from suspected lesional areas on sheep suspected of being infested with sheep scab. These skin scrape samples are then examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of Psoroptes ovis mites, which provides a definitive diagnosis of the disease. However, while this method of diagnosis is highly specific for sheep scab, there can be a high level of variability in the sensitivity of the method, which can be as low as 18 percent. The objective of this study was to analyse the behavioural factors influencing the intention of sheep farmers to adopt sheep scab control measures in the form of blood testing. To achieve our objective, we analysed data from a sample of 126 sheep farmers using quantitative techniques. The results show that the promotion of a positive attitude towards blood testing for subclinical diagnoses of the disease would go a long way in controlling sheep scab in NI.
Abstract
Sheep scab, caused by infestation with the ectoparasitic mite Psoroptes ovis, is an endemic disease in the Northern Ireland (NI) sheep flock and constitutes significant economic and welfare burdens for the NI farming industry. Despite its endemic nature, historically, little research has been undertaken to support the control of the disease in NI. This study offers the first attempt to analyse the psychological and behavioural factors influencing farmers’ intentions to implement effective sheep scab control measures in NI. To achieve our objective, quantitative data from a sample of 126 sheep farmers were statistically analysed using an extended theory of planned behaviour approach in an ordered logistic regression modelling framework. Our analyses showed that sheep scab remains an issue of concern in Northern Ireland. The attitudes of the farmers, as well as perceived behavioural control, emotional effect, membership of Business Development Groups (BDGs), and higher education qualifications, were found to be statistically significant factors influencing farmers’ intentions to adopt sheep scab control measures. This study provides a solid foundation for how to promote behavioural changes among sheep farmers to improve their ability to implement effective disease control measures, helping to tackle this challenging disease in a more sustainable way in the future.
Description
Publication history: Accepted - 12 March 2024; Published - 15 March 2024.
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Article
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Keywords
ruminant, endemic disease, serological testing, theory of planned behaviour
Citation
Adenuga, A.H., Crawford, P., Aubry, A., Verner, S., Strain, S. and Burgess, S.T.G. (2024) ‘Behavioural Factors Influencing the Intention to Adopt Sheep Scab Control Measures in Northern Ireland’, Animals. MDPI AG. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060912.