How do pig veterinarians view technology-assisted data utilisation for pig health and welfare management? A qualitative study in Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland
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Date
2024-10-10
Publication Type
Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
Background
Application of data-driven strategies may support veterinarians’ decision-making, benefitting pig disease prevention and control. However, little is known about veterinarians’ need for data utilisation to support their decision-making process. The current study used qualitative methods, specifically focus group discussions, to explore veterinarians’ views on data utilisation and their need for data tools in relation to pig health and welfare management in Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland.
Results
Generally, veterinarians pointed out the potential benefits of using technology for pig health and welfare management, but data is not yet structurally available to support their decision-making. Veterinarians pointed out the challenge of collecting, recording, and accessing data in a consistent and timely manner. Besides, the reliability, standardisation, and the context of data were identified as important factors affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of data utilisation by veterinarians. A user-friendly, adaptable, and integrated data tool was regarded as potentially helpful for veterinarians’ daily work and supporting their decision-making. Specifically, veterinarians, particularly independent veterinary practitioners, noted a need for easy access to pig information. Veterinarians such as those working for integrated companies, corporate veterinarians, and independent veterinary practitioners expressed their need for data tools that provide useful information to monitor pig health and welfare in real-time, to visualise the prevalence of endemic disease based on a shared report between farmers, veterinarians, and other professional parties, to support decision-making, and to receive early warnings for disease prevention and control.
Conclusions
It is concluded that the management of pig health and welfare may benefit from data utilisation if the quality of data can be assured, the data tools can meet veterinarians’ needs for decision-making, and the collaboration of sharing data and using data between farmers, veterinarians, and other professional parties can be enhanced. Nevertheless, several notable technical and institutional barriers still exist, which need to be overcome.
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Publication status
published
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Editor
Book title
Journal / series
Volume
10
Pages / Article No.
40
Publisher
BioMed Central
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Qualitative study; Focus group; Veterinarians; Pig health; Pig welfare; Data utilisation; Technology
Organisational unit
03780 - Siegrist, Michael / Siegrist, Michael
Notes
Funding
101000494 - Data-driven control and prioritisation of non-EU-regulated contagious animal diseases (EC)