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Factors Influencing the Willingness of Layer Specialized Households to Participate in Cooperative Avian Influenza Prevention and Control: Evidence from China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) remains a significant threat to poultry production in China. Layer specialized households (LSHs)-characterized by medium-scale operations (1000-15,000 birds)-are particularly vulnerable due to frequently suboptimal biosecurity measures. Cooperative prevention and control (CPC) strategies, including unified disinfection and joint monitoring, present a viable method for reducing HPAI risks. However, participation among LSHs remains low. OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to identify the key determinants influencing LSHs' willingness to participate in CPC measures against HPAI, and further compare these driving factors across villages with versus without a documented history of HPAI outbreaks. METHODS: A survey of 130 LSHs was conducted in two Chinese villages: Village A (with HPAI history) and Village B (without HPAI history). Data on socio-economic characteristics, production practices, and attitudes were collected via structured questionnaires. An Ordered Probit model was employed to analyze determinants of willingness to participate, measured on a 5-point ordinal scale. RESULTS: Full-sample regression analysis demonstrated that older age, higher educational attainment, risk-tolerant attitudes, larger household scale, and higher annual household income exerted a significantly positive impact on the willingness to participate in the program. Surprisingly, greater knowledge of avian influenza exerted a significant negative effect. Regional subgroup analyses identified distinct drivers: in Village A (with HPAI history), prior experience of bird deaths positively influenced willingness, whereas longer breeding experience had a negative effect. In Village B (no HPAI history), frequent social interaction and greater breeding experience emerged as positive determinants. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the critical role of regional context and specific household characteristics in shaping LSHs' willingness to cooperate. Policy interventions to promote CPC should be regionally tailored: in previously affected areas, leveraging past outbreak experiences and ensuring equitable compensation is essential; in unaffected areas, fostering social networks and demonstrating CPC benefits through peer influence are more effective.

Source: Veterinary Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/vetsci12121194

Authors: Donghao Guo, Hua Pu

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Animal Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Animal Disease Management and Epidemiology

Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,534