Assessing the Status of Information Provision and Issues in the Application of Biosecurity Measures for Wild Boar Hunters in Classical Swine Fever Prevention

• Published in: Japan society of veterinary epidemiology Vol. 28; no. 1; pp. 50 - 61
• Main Authors: ENDO, Tomohiko, HIRATA, Shigeki, HAYAMA, Yoko, YAMAMOTO, Takehisa, NAGATA, Tomoshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Japanese
• Published: The Japan Society of Veterinary Epidemiology 20.07.2024
• Subjects: Biosecurity measures; Classical swine fever; Government; Hunter; Information provision
• ISSN: 1343-2583; 1881-2562
• DOI: 10.2743/jve.28.50

Wild boar hunters are at risk of contamination with classical swine fever (CSF) virus, posing a transmission risk via hunters. Research on biosecurity measures and issues related to CSF control among hunters in Japan is limited. This study aimed to understand the information provision on biosecurity measures for hunters and identify issues related to CSF control measures using a questionnaire survey to prefectural governments. The results of the hierarchical cluster analysis based on the response to the questionnaire survey showed that the efforts of the prefectural governments in implementing countermeasures were categorized into three clusters : active, moderate, and passive. Overall, information on biosecurity measures was actively disseminated to hunters through leaflets and posters. A biosecurity workshop was held in conjunction with an existing workshop for hunters. Hunting-related biosecurity measures with less workload, such as washing and disinfection of shoes and vehicles, were more frequently announced to hunters. However, biosecurity measures that require additional workloads, such as wearing of gloves and protective clothes, and those that require financial support, such as procurement of supplies, were not adequately announced to hunters. To promote biosecurity more widely, it is important for the governments to create diverse means, such as workshops, to disseminate information on biosecurity and develop a financial support system. Additionally, each of the three clusters had issues related to awareness and collaboration with related organizations. Moreover, there were issues specific to each cluster. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the collaboration system among related organizations and examine CSF countermeasures based on the region.