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Disease prevention efforts on Welsh cattle farms are influenced by farm demographics
Author(s) -
Paton Neil,
Schaefer K. Aleks,
ArmitageChan Elizabeth A.,
Cooper Hannah,
Buggiotti Laura
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
veterinary record
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.261
H-Index - 99
eISSN - 2042-7670
pISSN - 0042-4900
DOI - 10.1002/vetr.1389
Subject(s) - welsh , livestock , certification , demographics , disease , environmental health , disease prevention , socioeconomics , agricultural science , geography , business , medicine , veterinary medicine , demography , biology , political science , economics , pathology , sociology , forestry , archaeology , law
Background This research seeks to understand how the transition to a new generation of younger, more diverse farmers affects disease prevention efforts on UK farms. Methods We apply multivariate regression analysis to analyse survey responses from 112 Welsh cattle farm operators. Results Our results indicate that young farm operators (less than 40 years of age) receive less frequent visits from veterinarians. Further, farm operators who identify as female are less likely to screen and vaccinate against a range of diseases. Finally, both young farmers and female farm operators are less likely to achieve disease‐free certification for various economically meaningful livestock diseases. Conclusion One possible explanation for these outcomes is that female farm operators and young farmers may feel excluded from long‐standing social networks in the farm animal health sector.