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This study aims to explore the farmers' perceptions of FMD vaccination using a reflexive research method called Q methodology. A structured sample was composed including 46 farmers selected according to gender, farming experience, level of education and production type. Statements relevant to the farmers' perceptions of and attitudes towards FMD vaccination, related to confidence, logistics, costs and impacts of vaccination, were developed. Results were analysed by principal component analysis, using R version 3.1.2. Three distinct discourses ""Believe"", ""Confidence"", ""Challenge"", representing common perceptions among farmers and accounting for 57.3 % of the variance, were identified. Consensus points were found such as: the feeling of being more secure after FMD vaccination campaigns; the fact that farmers take vaccination decisions themselves without being influenced by other stakeholders; the opinion that FMD vaccination is cheaper than the costs of treating a sick animal; and that vaccines provided by governmental authorities are of good quality. Part of the studied population did not consider vaccination to be the first choice strategy in prevention. This raises the question of how to improve the active participation of famers in the FMD vaccine strategy. Regular awareness raising is an important tool to foster active participation and to maintain the farmers' motivation to vaccinate. |
