Improving Biosecurity on Ontario Dairy Farms: Exploring Barriers to Current Knowledge Translation and Transfer Delivery and How to Best Address These
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Abstract
Biosecurity and knowledge translation and transfer are deeply intertwined. Despite its importance, biosecurity implementation is variable on Ontario dairy farms. While communication between veterinarians and producers is generally positive; topics, like biosecurity, are not always received by clients. Thirty-five demographic surveys and semi- structured interviews were conducted to explore barriers to biosecurity practices and communication from both veterinarians’ and dairy producers’ perspectives. Barriers to biosecurity included a lack of resources, internal and external business influencers, individual perceptions of biosecurity, and a lack of industry initiative. Barriers to communication included the veterinarian’s perceived role and position, a lack of resources, a lack of consistency between herd health visits, and their clients’ approach to communication. Future directions for improving biosecurity uptake include education, research, and promotion of individualized approaches between veterinarians and producers. Reducing barriers to communication and biosecurity will help lead to improved biosecurity implementation and relationships between producers and their veterinarians.