Abstract
This research examined how perceptions of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N1 in poultry are related to urbanization. Via in-depth interviews with village leaders, household farmers, and large farm operators in modern, transitional, and traditional communes in the north of Vietnam, we explored behaviors, attitudes, cultural values, and traditions that might amplify or attenuate HPAI outbreaks. We also explored conceptualizations of urbanization and its impacts on animal husbandry and disease outbreaks. Qualitative theme analyses identified the key impacts, factors related to HPAI outbreaks, and disease prevention and management strategies. The analyses also highlighted how urbanization improves some aspects of life (e.g., food security, family wealth and health, more employment opportunities, and improved infrastructure), but simultaneously poses significant challenges for poultry farming and disease management. Awareness of qualitative aspects of HPAI risk perceptions and behaviors and how they vary with urbanization processes may help to improve the prevention and management of emerging infectious diseases.
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Notes
The smallest administrative unit in Vietnam is usually the commune, but in more urban areas they may be called a ward or town.
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Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful to colleagues at the Hanoi University of Agriculture for assistance in conducting interviews; to Boonyarit Itsara and Charles Nguyen for assistance in verifying and analyzing data. The authors also thank Michael DiGregorio, Nancy Lewis, and Bruce Wilcox for assistance in developing the interview protocol. This work was funded by the National Science Foundation Grant # DEB-0909410.
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Finucane, M.L., Nghiem, T., Saksena, S. et al. An Exploration of How Perceptions of the Risk of Avian Influenza in Poultry Relate to Urbanization in Vietnam. EcoHealth 11, 73–82 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-014-0906-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-014-0906-2