Premium
Testing for H endra virus: difficulties experienced by veterinarians in Q ueensland prior to 2011
Author(s) -
Mendez D,
Judd J,
Speare R
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
australian veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.382
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1751-0813
pISSN - 0005-0423
DOI - 10.1111/avj.12091
Subject(s) - biosecurity , qualitative research , government (linguistics) , veterinary medicine , medicine , nursing , pathology , sociology , social science , linguistics , philosophy
Objective To identify the perceived barriers to H endra virus ( HeV ) management by private equine veterinarians in Q ueensland. Design An exploratory qualitative study of private equine veterinarians registered and working in coastal Q ueensland. Methods A questionnaire that included eight open‐ended questions about the management of HeV was used in face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews with 21 veterinary personnel working in equine or mixed private practice between F ar N orth and S outh‐ E ast Q ueensland in 2009–10. The qualitative data was entered and analysed thematically using QSR 's I nternational's N vivo 9 qualitative data analysis software. Results This study revealed key issues associated with HeV testing: (1) inadequate knowledge of testing procedures and laboratory diagnostic pathways; (2) difficulty in accessing laboratory services; (3) responsibility for cost of collection and transport of specimen; and (4) the role of government. Participants perceived these issues as reducing potential HeV case management efficiency. Conclusion Although HeV management plans have been modified in part since 2009–10, this study highlights the importance of considering the perspectives of private veterinary practitioners in any biosecurity protocols.