Occurrence Management and Perception of Risk Associated with Paratuberculosis in Cattle.

A telephone survey of farmers and a postal survey of veterinary practices were used to establish knowledge, experience and opinion about paratuberculosis (Johne�s disease) of cattle in the North East of Scotland. Respondents felt that this disease was of less clinical and economic importance than most of the other major diseases of cattle in the region. However, there was some uncertainty. A market research technique (adaptive conjoint analysis; ACA) was therefore developed to collect experiential knowledge from veterinary practices about the risk factors associated with on-farm control of this disease. Using results from this technique, 1600 alternative management strategies for the control of the disease could be compared. It was concluded that ACA is a useful way to assess the risk factors from disease where quantitative information is otherwise lacking. The results will be used in support of cattle disease prevention initiatives.