Survey of Australian equine veterinarians evaluating their biosecurity training and perceptions and opinions about the management of the 2007 equine influenza outbreak.

The research article assesses the adequacy of biosecurity training among Australian equine veterinarians and their views on the management of the 2007 equine influenza outbreak.

Methodology

• The researchers conducted a cross-sectional study using a self-completed survey to gather data from equine veterinarians who attended the 2010 annual conference of the Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) in New South Wales, Australia.
• The data collected was then analysed using Fisher’s exact tests to establish levels of biosecurity training, practitioners’ perception of infectious disease risk, and their evaluation of the 2007 equine influenza outbreak control strategy.

Results

• The survey had a response rate of 23.5% with 46 of the 196 attending veterinarians completing the questionnaire.
• The findings indicated that recently graduated veterinarians received more theoretical and practical training on biosecurity measures compared to older counterparts.
• Most respondents (84%) believed they had a low chance of transmitting infectious diseases from one client’s horse to another.
• A significant majority (58%) acknowledged that hand-washing or wearing gloves was highly effective in preventing diseases from spreading. However, concerns were revealed as approximately one-quarter (27%) expressed doubt over the feasibility of implementing general biosecurity measures in daily routines.
• The veterinarians expressed satisfaction towards the response to the EI outbreak but presented mixed opinions on the implemented control measures and communication strategies.

Conclusions

• According to the study, the levels of biosecurity training and the frequency of biosecurity advice provided by veterinarians have increased over time. Despite this, the practicality of executing biosecurity practices continually poses as a challenge for some veterinarians.
• Investigations are therefore needed to identify impediments to implementing various biosecurity practices. The findings will be instrumental in informing more comprehensive and practical training programs.