Small Ruminant Health, Parasite Risk, and Information Exchange: Stakeholder Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices
ISSN 2158-9429
Volume 17, Issue 1 - June 2024
Editor: Linda Chalker-Scott
Abstract
This study evaluates farmer and veterinarian perspectives on small ruminant health management and information sourcing practices, challenges and needs. Local vs. scientific animal health knowledge, information sourcing, veterinarian-client-patient relationships, and the role of small ruminant educators are discussed. Additionally, risk perceptions and attitudes on zoonotic disease, parasites and meningeal worm are explored. Farmers’ perceived risk of animal health problems was correlated to their level of knowledge on the subject. Adoption of practices was a result of knowledge change when farmers were presented with farm-specific risk data. The results from this study reveal a need for reputable animal health information sources and for accessible educational opportunities.
Keywords: Veterinarian-client-patient relationship, small ruminant, education, parasites, meningeal worm, risk perception.
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