Factors influencing farmers' concerns regarding bovine tuberculosis in wildlife and livestock around Riding Mountain National Park

摘要: Despite intensive efforts over the last century to eradicate bovine tuberculosis (TB) in North America, several hotspots of infected wildlife and livestock remain, raising concerns that disease will never be eradicated. The stress frustration for a farmer caused by having herd test positive TB or living an region can substantial. goal this study was investigate farmers around Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) regarding presence conduct exploratory analysis causal factors. Data were collected from 786 within 50 km RMNP using mail-back questionnaire. Overall, indicated high level concern toward diseases both cattle relative other concerns. spatial variables had greatest influence on distance farms boundary previous cases TB. most important aspatial factor associated with frequency which observed elk their land. These results underscore differences between 'objective' measures risk, such as epidemiological estimates prevalence, subjective concern, risk perception acceptability management actions. Written responses suggest may affect how view land relationship neighbouring protected areas. Management activities reduce interactions farms, but also recognize complex have areas, effective mitigating problem.