A cross-sectional study of horse owners’ awareness and perceived risk of exotic diseases in the United Kingdom.
Abstract: The international nature of the equine industry provides opportunities for the spread of infectious diseases between countries. While incursions of exotic diseases into the United Kingdom (UK) equine population have been rare, the potential socioeconomic and welfare impacts are a significant concern. However, little is known about leisure horse owners' ability or willingness to prepare for an exotic disease incursion. The objectives of this study were to describe UK leisure horse owners' awareness and perceptions of exotic diseases, and to identify clusters of horse owners characterised by their awareness and perceived risk of exotic diseases. A cross-sectional study of leisure horse owners in the UK was conducted between April and July 2018. Participants (n = 403) completed an online questionnaire with questions pertaining to demographics, experiences with endemic diseases, and awareness and perceptions of exotic diseases. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify groups of participants that were similar in regard to their awareness and perceived risk of exotic diseases. Participants identified a median of 3 (IQR 2-4) exotic diseases, with the most recognised exotic diseases being African horse sickness and West Nile virus. The most frequently mentioned clinical signs that participants thought were associated with exotic diseases included high temperature (57.2%), discharge (46.5%), and lack of energy (41.2%). Hierarchical cluster analysis identified three clusters of participants: 1) those who were aware of exotic diseases and perceived a high amount of risk (n = 78); 2) those who were aware of exotic diseases but perceived a low amount of risk (n = 111); and 3) those who were less aware of exotic diseases and perceived a low amount of risk (n = 214). Efforts to communicate the relevance and consequences of exotic diseases to horse owners should consider the potential difference in receptiveness among horse owners in each cluster. Further investigations are required to determine the implications of horse owners' perceived risk on exotic disease preparedness.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2019-05-31 PubMed ID: 31311639DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104706Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This study investigates the awareness and perceived risk of exotic diseases among UK leisure horse owners. The results indicate varying degrees of awareness and perceived risk, with some owners well informed and concerned, and others less aware and unconcerned.
Objective of The Research
- The primary goal of this research was to evaluate the understanding and perceptions of UK leisure horse owners about exotic diseases, which could threaten the equine industry due to their potential for transmission across borders.
- The study also aimed at identifying horse owner groups with different awareness levels and perceived risks of exotic diseases.
Methodology of The Study
- The research was a cross-sectional study carried out from April to July 2018, which included 403 leisure horse owners who completed an online questionnaire.
- The questionnaire involved queries about demographics, experiences with endemic diseases, and knowledge and perceptions of exotic diseases.
- Researchers utilized hierarchical cluster analysis to determine groups of owners with similarities in their awareness and risk perception of exotic diseases.
Key Findings
- Of the listed exotic diseases, participants were mostly aware of African horse sickness and West Nile virus. Typically, they associated such diseases with clinical signs such as high temperature, discharge, and lack of energy.
- Three different clusters emerged from the study: Those who were well aware of exotic diseases and perceived a high risk (n = 78), those who knew about the diseases but saw a low risk (n = 111), and those who were less informed and also perceived a low risk (n = 214).
Implications and Recommendations
- The researchers suggest that any attempt to disseminate information about the importance and impact of exotic diseases should account for the varied levels of receptiveness among horse owners in each cluster.
- Further research is needed to understand the implications of horse owners’ perceived risk on their preparedness for exotic diseases. This could help devise effective strategies for exotic disease control in the leisure horse industry.
Cite This Article
APA
Spence KL, Slater J, Rosanowski SM, Cardwell JM.
(2019).
A cross-sectional study of horse owners’ awareness and perceived risk of exotic diseases in the United Kingdom.
Prev Vet Med, 169, 104706.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104706 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK. Electronic address: kspence@rvc.ac.uk.
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK.
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK; Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Adolescent
- Adult
- African Horse Sickness / psychology
- Animal Husbandry
- Animals
- Cluster Analysis
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Factor Analysis, Statistical
- Female
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Horse Diseases / psychology
- Horses
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Risk Factors
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- United Kingdom
- West Nile Fever / psychology
- West Nile virus
- Young Adult
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