“Prevention is the biggest success”: Barriers and enablers to personal biosecurity in the thoroughbred breeding industry.

The research in this article investigated the key influencer’s of safety practices in the thoroughbred horse breeding industry and found that policy, leadership, and environmental factors, among others, were influential. Furthermore, it identified that workers in this field face unique risks related to infectious diseases in a physically challenging environment.

Research Methodology

• The study was an exploratory qualitative one conducted in 2018 in the Australian state of New South Wales.
• The researchers used interviews (9 in total) and small group discussions (7 in total) as their methods of collecting data
• A diverse group of 29 participants from different positions within the equine medical industry was interviewed, including veterinarians, vet nurses, foaling staff, stud managers, and lab personnel.
• All interviews and group discussions were recorded, transcribed, and analysed by at least two members of the research team
• The research team used an iterative approach to derive the themes from their collected data.

Results of Research

• The study identified five main themes or conclusions related to personal biosecurity (PB) and infection control practices in the thoroughbred breeding industry.
• Greater awareness of the current and potential future infectious risks promoted the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• The study found that the currently available PPE was not comfortable or practical, especially considering Australia’s hot climate.
• Supportive environments for Personal Biosecurity (PB) help reduce the risk of exposure to infectious materials.
• The study emphasized the need for strong and effective leadership to implement sustainable changes in the workplace culture and practices related to infection control and PB.
• Policy and economic factors were found to play an important role in adopting biosecurity and PB measures in this workplace. This could include proper governance, financial feasibility, and official regulations and guidelines.

Conclusions

• The research concluded that personnel in the Australian Thoroughbred breeding industry face unique zoonotic risks in a challenging physical environment.
• The qualitative approach provided rich insights into both social and physical factors inspiring the uptake of Biosecurity and PB in this occupational group.
• Opportunities exist for collaboration between the public health services and the industry partners in developing and implementing strategies that would be effective in consistently implementing PB measures at work.