Livestock keepers' reasons for doing and not doing things which governments, vets and scientists would like them to do.

Farmers are rational. They do what makes sense to them in the particular circumstances of their farm, family and business. The challenge for those who want to influence farmers' behaviour - policy makers, veterinarians, public health professionals - is to understand their rationality, to gain some insight into how they see the world and the various options it offers to them.

Farmers' attitudes to disease risk management in England: a comparative analysis of sheep and pig farmers.

The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) identified practices to reduce the risk of animal disease outbreaks. We report on the response of sheep and pig farmers in England to promotion of these practices. A conceptual framework was established from research on factors influencing adoption of animal health practices, linking knowledge, attitudes, social influences and perceived constraints to the implementation of specific practices.

Equine anthelmintics: survey of the patterns of use, beliefs and attitudes among horse owners in the UK.

An online survey was conducted to establish horse owners' beliefs, attitudes and practices relating to the use of anthelmintic drugs. Out of a total of 574 respondents, 89 per cent described themselves as 'leisure riders', most of whom took part in a variety of activities including eventing, show jumping, dressage, hunter trials, hunting, driving, endurance and showing. Overall, respondents were generally aware and concerned about the issue of anthelmintic resistance.