Summary
This survey of 72 general practice veterinarians in Great Britain reveals substantial gaps in confidence and competence for diagnosing and managing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in backyard poultry flocks. Using the COM-B behaviour change framework, the authors identify systemic barriers—spanning capability, opportunity, and motivation—that limit veterinary engagement in avian disease detection and control. The findings suggest that addressing HPAI preparedness in primary care veterinary practice requires national-level policy and infrastructure interventions rather than individual-level behaviour change alone.
UK applicability
Directly applicable to United Kingdom practice. The study identifies critical gaps in the existing veterinary workforce's ability to respond to HPAI in backyard and small-scale poultry systems, with implications for disease surveillance, reporting compliance, and biosecurity in the context of ongoing H5N1 expansion.
Key measures
Percentage of respondents reporting confidence in treating birds; percentage lacking confidence in ruling out HPAI; percentage unsure how to advise clients on suspected HPAI; COM-B domain barriers (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation)
Outcomes reported
The study measured general practice veterinarians' confidence in treating birds and diagnosing HPAI, identifying capability, opportunity, and motivation barriers using the COM-B behaviour change framework. Survey respondents reported very low confidence in avian species treatment (6% fairly/very confident) and high uncertainty in HPAI differential diagnosis (>83% lacking confidence).
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