"Why won't they just vaccinate?" Horse owner risk perception and uptake of the Hendra virus vaccine.
Authors: Manyweathers J, Field H, Longnecker N, Agho K, Smith C, Taylor M
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Hendra Virus Vaccination Uptake in Australian Horse Owners Hendra virus, a serious paramyxovirus transmitted from flying-foxes to horses and occasionally to humans through close contact, remains an ongoing threat in Australia since its identification in 1994; despite vaccine availability since 2012, only 11–17% of Australian horses have been vaccinated, prompting this investigation into the decision-making barriers facing horse owners. Manyweathers and colleagues employed qualitative research methods to explore risk perception among horse owners and the factors influencing their vaccination choices, examining both practical and psychological obstacles to uptake. The research identified that perceived risk, trust in veterinary advice, cost considerations, and concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy were central to owners' reluctance, even amongst those in regions with documented Hendra virus cases. These findings have significant implications for equine practitioners and health authorities: vaccination campaigns must move beyond simple information provision to address specific misconceptions, build confidence in vaccine safety data, and acknowledge the legitimate practical constraints (such as cost and logistics) that influence owner behaviour. For practitioners working with horse owners in affected areas, understanding these psychological and economic barriers offers an evidence-based foundation for more persuasive risk communication and targeted strategies to improve herd immunity against this zoonotic threat.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Understanding owner risk perception is critical to improving Hendra vaccine uptake—education campaigns should address specific concerns and misconceptions rather than assuming owners lack information
- •Veterinary practitioners should identify and discuss individual owner barriers to vaccination as part of herd health planning in endemic regions
- •Communication strategies targeting flying-fox contact risk and zoonotic transmission may be more effective than general health messaging
Key Findings
- •Only 11-17% of horses in Australia were vaccinated against Hendra virus despite availability since 2012
- •Study identified barriers to vaccine uptake among horse owners through examination of risk perception
- •Horse owners' willingness to vaccinate is influenced by perceived risk and understanding of disease transmission