Veterinarian profiles associated with PRRS stabilization success

PRRS stabilization program’s success relies as much on veterinarian profile and collaboration as on the technical tools available.

Background. Despite extensive research on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), herd level management strategies vary considerably according to geographical area and depend significantly on many factors. Swine veterinarians play a key role in PRRS management; however, their practices, perceptions, and decision-making processes remain insufficiently described. This study aimed to characterize distinct profiles of European swine veterinarians and explore how these profiles relate to their experience with PRRSV stabilization programmes.

Results. A cross-sectional online survey targeting swine veterinarians in 22 European countries was conducted between 2023 and 2024 (600 sent questionnaires). The questionnaire covered sociodemographic data, professional interactions, engagement with evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM), PRRS management strategies, and stabilization programme experience. Multivariate analysis and hierarchical clustering on principal components were used to identify practitioner profiles and explore their associations with PRRS control-related variables. Among 108 respondents, five thematic blocks revealed a significant heterogeneity in veterinary profiles. Three distinct clusters were identified per thematic which were related to two PRRS context profiles and four stabilization outcome groups (“total success”, “partial success due to farmer limitations”, “partial success due to technical limitations” and “never implemented”). Successful implementation of PRRSV stabilization programmes was more frequently associated with veterinarians with long-lasting experience, open to EBVM, well-integrated in collaborative networks, and who had reliable access to diagnostic tools and vaccines.

Conclusion. This study highlights the diversity of European swine veterinarians in their approach to PRRS control, and the profile of veterinarians most likely associated with successful PRRS management. These profiles can help inform more effective training, policy, and communication interventions aimed at improving disease control outcomes in swine production systems.

Evidence-based veterinary medicine perception among European swine veterinarians

EBVM adoption in swine practice remains constrained by field limitations, despite broad recognition of its value.

Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine (EBVM) enhances the quality of care by guiding clinical decisions with robust scientific data, leading to more effective disease management. Evaluating the levels of knowledge and use is crucial for identifying gaps and training needs, ultimately promoting the adoption of evidence-based practices and optimizing herd health and productivity. This study aimed to give an overview of EBVM perception, with the goal of raising awareness of this concept and highlighting reservations they face in applying it to decision making process in swine veterinary practice. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among European swine veterinarians. Respondent characteristics and knowledge of EBVM were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Associations between demographic variables (country, specialization) and EBVM knowledge were assessed using Chi-square tests with Yates’ continuity correction where appropriate. A significant level of 0.05 was applied. Results showed that 68% of veterinarians were familiar with EBVM, with knowledge levels varying by country (p < 0.05) and educational background (p<0.01). While 82% recognized its practical value, barriers such as limited time, difficulty accessing relevant data, and a lack of decision-support tools hindered implementation. Younger veterinarians and those with less experience expressed more reluctance toward EBVM. Despite these challenges, 90% of respondents believed EBVM improved decision-making, professional confidence, and communication with farmers. However, opinions differed regarding how well EBVM is currently integrated and developed in everyday veterinary practice. These findings highlight the need for enhanced education and structured methodologies to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in herd health management.

Evidence-based veterinary medicine, the PRRSV example

PhD project: evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM) perception by swine veterinarians: a European survey across diverse practitioner profiles.

108 pig veterinarians from 24 different European countries responded to the survey, with the aim of understanding their position, expectations, and barriers regarding the “evidence-based” approach.

3 groups of veterinarians have been highlighted in relation to the EBM approach: the “Open” ones have no barriers regarding its use and find the approach useful. The “Skeptical” group believes that the approach is not sufficiently developed in practice and have some barriers, although it is, for the most part, useful. Finally, a cluster for “Reluctant” ones: for them, the approach would not be useful in practice, and they have barriers regarding its use.

The next phase of the PhD project will focus on developing tools to address the obstacles to implementing the evidence-based medicine approach in the context of PRRS virus control.