Patidpong Chumsang. Risk Assessment of introduction and transmission of foot-and-mouth disease virus to dairy farms via raw milk transportation in Lamphun, Thailand During 2024. Doctoral Degree(Veterinary Science). Chiang Mai University. Library. : Chiang Mai University, 2569.
Risk Assessment of introduction and transmission of foot-and-mouth disease virus to dairy farms via raw milk transportation in Lamphun, Thailand During 2024
Abstract:
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) remains a significant and ongoing threat to the global livestock industry, particularly in endemic regions like Thailand, where it causes enormous economic losses and trade restrictions. This dissertation provides a comprehensive, in-depth study of the epidemiological dynamics of Foot-and-Mouth Disease virus (FMDV) transmission within the Thai dairy industry. It focuses on the critical roles of dairy farmers' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP), as well as the often-overlooked transmission route of the virus through raw milk transportation. The primary objective of this study is to generate robust and practical scientific evidence to inform more effective disease control strategies, strengthen biosecurity measures, and ultimately foster the sustainability of Thailand's dairy sector .This dissertation is structured into two main, interconnected parts. Both studies aim to understand specific risk points during raw milk transportation and promote the control and prevention of this disease in endemic areas. The first study's objective was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dairy farmers regarding FMD surveillance and prevention measures in endemic areas of Thailand. The results of this study can identify gaps, relational trends, and factors influencing farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices. This can serve as a foundational data for establishing specific and sustainable disease control measures tailored to the endemic area. The second study employed a qualitative risk assessment methodology to evaluate the probability of FMDV introduction and spread through routine raw milk transportation in Ban Thi District, Lamphun Province, a representative endemic area. Its objective was to identify specific risk points, evaluate their severity, and propose necessary mitigation measures in the raw milk transportation process. For the first study, data was collected through a structured questionnaire administered to dairy farmers. The findings revealed that while farmers had a basic awareness of FMD, their overall knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning disease surveillance and prevention were at a moderate level. A key finding was the causal pathway: increased knowledge positively influenced more favorable attitudes, which in turn served as a direct catalyst for the adoption of effective preventive practices. Interestingly, knowledge alone did not directly lead to improved practices, highlighting the crucial mediating role of attitudes. Furthermore, educational background and access to FMD-related information emerged as significant factors positively influencing both knowledge and attitudes. For the second study, a qualitative risk assessment framework based on World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines was used. Data was collected from multiple sources, including a farmer survey, expert interviews, national disease surveillance data, and scientific literature, to construct a scenario pathway. This detailed scenario analysis concluded that there is a moderate overall risk of FMDV transmission via raw milk transportation, with a moderate level of uncertainty. Key weaknesses identified included a high probability of mixing milk from infected animals with bulk milk, largely due to significant knowledge gaps among farmers regarding sub-clinically infected carrier animals. This lack of understanding means that infected milk can pass through the raw milk collection process undetected. Additionally, a moderate probability with high uncertainty was attributed to the inconsistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and inadequate hygiene practices by milkers and personnel at milk collection centers. The study also highlighted a high possibility of indirect contact with cattle, as farmers often engage in close farm activities with animals and wash their milk containers near animal pens immediately after returning from milk collection, increasing the risk of FMDV transmission from contaminated clothes, shoes, or equipment. The persistent challenge of undetected sub-clinically infected carrier animals was the main driver of the overall risk. In conclusion, this dissertation emphasizes that effective FMD control in Thailand requires a multi-faceted, integrated approach that addresses both the human behavioral aspects and the operational biosecurity gaps. It is crucial to enhance farmer education and information dissemination, particularly concerning the detection and management of sub-clinically infected FMD carrier animals. Furthermore, strengthening biosecurity measures throughout the entire raw milk value chain, improving surveillance for carriers through rigorous testing, and revising national FMD legislation and biosecurity frameworks based on scientific evidence are all essential steps. By addressing these interconnected human and operational factors as a unified effort, Thailand can significantly mitigate the risk of FMDV spread via raw milk transportation, reduce economic losses for dairy farmers, and move closer to achieving and maintaining FMD-free status in a short period. This would consequently improve the quality of life for farmers and better promote the country's critical livestock industry.