Researchers sought to discover how human risk attitude affects the adoption of biosecurity and the ability to control disease spread. Using video games called digital field experiences, a team from the University of Vermont discovered the weakest biosecurity point in swine operations is the personnel. The findings will likely apply to other production scenarios as well as in veterinary clinic infection-control efforts.
Source: National Hog Farmer, March 2019, page 26. Link. Gabriela Bucini, Ph.D., says biosecurity risk control comes down to identifying the biggest risk-takers.
If we simulate a producer population dominated by individuals that try to avoid or reduce risk, the biosecurity stays high and can change the course of infection . . . In contrast, if the producer population perceives risk to be low, are not consistent with their applicatoin of biosecurity practices or accept risky situations, then outbreaks are longer, larger and more hogs are lost.”
Also see: National Hog Farmer, March 2019. Link. Every hog producer plays a role in protecting the U.S. swine herd, and everyone needs to practice stringent biosecurity measures. This issue reviews steps all producers can take to ensure a secure pork supply.
INSIGHTS: If you’ve played Monopoly, you’ll recognize some of the risk-taker profiles.