Study title

The data presented here are in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted as part of the international comparative case study phase of the research. The research objectives were to gain insight into stakeholder perspectives on eradication efforts, assessing the relative merits of different policy interventions aimed at disease management and appraising the key factors affecting efforts to achieve TB eradication in Michigan and Minnesota, USA. The interviews were conducted with individuals identified as ‘experts’ and ‘key stakeholders’ involved in the development or implementation of bTB policies in Michigan and Minnesota. The interviews consisted of questions relating to the participant’s role in bTB control; overview of the factors influencing the relative success of bTB control (including identifying effective policies and interventions); identification of key stakeholders and their positive or negative contribution to disease management; modes of risk communication and the challenges and successes encountered in promoting ‘best practice’ in disease mitigation; and lessons learnt from their experience of managing bTB in Michigan and Minnesota respectively. This project focuses on the human factors that influence the management of disease in livestock, analysing how and why livestock farmers make their decisions, and how this affects disease control, farm productivity and competitiveness, acceptance of agricultural innovation, and adoption of new technologies. Working closely with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and research institutions in North America and mainland Europe, the project will: (1) Synthesise existing evidence on barriers and enablers affecting the implementation of Animal Health and Welfare (AHW) best practice. (2) Identify and examine successful examples of best practice co-production, communication and adoption (including state-sponsored advice, private advisory agencies and extension services) focusing on...