Attitudes of Danish dairy farmers towards biosecurity

A scenario of insufficient biosecurity adoption in dairy herds has been pointed out. This may pose risks to animal and human health, besides raising concerns about compromised productivity and animal welfare. The objectives of our study were to explore the understanding of Danish dairy farmers regarding biosecurity and factors motivating and limiting their adoption of biosecurity measures. Sixteen farmers were face-to-face interviewed through extensive semi-structured interviews to investigate their perceptions and attitudes towards biosecurity. Conventional and organic dairy farmers from different regions in Denmark, who were required or not required to comply with a specific biosecurity legislation, took part in the study. A thematic analysis of the interviews based on phenomena expressed by the farmers was performed. Recognized biosecurity practices to prevent introduction and spread of infectious diseases in the herds were broadly discussed by farmers, e.g. maintenance of a closed herd status and routines to ensure improved hygiene when handling animals and in the facilities. However, we identified farmers expressing relaxed biosecurity attitudes under situations such as the herd's location in a region supposedly less threatened by diseases, need for increased herd size, and values related to keep a farming system without excessive restrictions. Other potential constraints for correct biosecurity adoption included difficult communication between farmers and their employees and visitors, lack of knowledge regarding infection routes, and financial limitations. The farmers received information about biosecurity from several sources, veterinarians being considered the main and trusted one. When farmers described adopted biosecurity measures, they emphasized combating locally important diseases that were endemic, part of government control programs, and had recent outbreaks, i.e. mastitis, digital dermatitis, salmonellosis and mycoplasmosis. Contrary to a previous report, all the farmers who were required to develop a biosecurity plan according to the specific legislation stated that they had it. Beneficial views on the legislation appeared as a way to guarantee mutual adoption of biosecurity among farmers, whereas others believed that legislation might not be needed. Findings of this study showed that, in general, important biosecurity aspects were recognized by the farmers. Despite of this, factors limiting the adoption of biosecurity measures were present.