Human factors in animal disease outbreaks need attention
A team of researchers at the universities of Lancaster and Liverpool have called for a greater consideration of human factors in animal disease outbreaks, if the work of scientists is to be translated effectively into policy.
The researchers argue that the typical risk assessment and containment strategies adopted during outbreaks of disease may ignore the human dimensions and social science knowledge. It is suggested that the modelling of disease transmission and the impacts of disease tends to focus on the behaviour of disease organisms and the animal vectors, and often does not take into account the behaviour of the people and organisations who manage the animals or who are in some way affected by the disease.
Louise Heathwaite, co-leader of the project from Lancaster University, said: "There is a concentration on technical dimensions and a neglect of human factors with the result that the research can be lost in translation and fail to inform policy. Sometimes it can even increase uncertainty."
Jonathan Wastling led the team at Liverpool veterinary school. He commented: "In the past 25 years, the UK has learned some very hard lessons indeed about how animal disease can affect human society in unpredictable and devastating ways. By adopting a common framework for decision making focused on better communication between sectors and more open sharing of information, particularly about areas of uncertainty, we will improve not only animal health and welfare, but help to protect our food security and human health."
The interdisciplinary team examined foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza and cryptosporidiosis as part of a project funded by the UK Research Councils' Rural Economy and Land Use Programme (RELU).
BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.
