Veterinarians' knowledge and experience of avian influenza and perspectives on control measures in the United Kingdom

Jewitt, Sarah; Mcclaughlin, Emma; Elliott, Sol; Smallman-Raynor, Matthew; Clark, Michael; Dunham, Stephen; Tarlinton, Rachael

Abstract

Background
The scale of the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in 2021–23 due to the influenza A/H5N1 virus is unprecedented.

Methods
An online survey was designed to explore veterinarians’ experiences of and confidence in treating avian species, experiences of dealing with suspected HPAI and perspectives on control measures in the UK. The survey ran between December 2021 and March 2022.

Results
Survey responses were received from 26 veterinarians. Although veterinarians are well placed to communicate HPAI-related information and guidance, a lack of confidence around treating birds and dealing with suspected cases of HPAI represent key barriers for non-specialist practices, and this limits opportunities to educate clients.

Limitations
This study presents the views of a small group of self-selected respondents and may over-represent veterinarians with existing interests in avian species and/or avian influenza and who engage with online fora.

Conclusions
Improved training and resources designed to increase confidence with avian species, along with guidance on diagnosing and reporting notifiable diseases, are needed for first opinion practices. Governing bodies should clarify regulations on treating birds in veterinary practices when HPAI outbreak numbers are high.

Citation

Jewitt, S., Mcclaughlin, E., Elliott, S., Smallman-Raynor, M., Clark, M., Dunham, S., & Tarlinton, R. (2024). Veterinarians' knowledge and experience of avian influenza and perspectives on control measures in the United Kingdom. Veterinary Record, 195(5), Article e3713. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.3713

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 22, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jan 17, 2024
• Publication Date: Sep 7, 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 24, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 18, 2025
• Journal: Veterinary Record (VetRecord)
• Print ISSN: 0042-4900
• Electronic ISSN: 2042-7670
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 195
• Issue: 5
• Article Number: e3713
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.3713
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/27597858
• Publisher URL: https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/vetr.3713