At the frontline of public health: How Swedish livestock veterinarians understand and manage epizootic diseases

Epizootic diseases are contagious animal diseases classified as societal risks due to their potential impact on human and animal health and national economy.

In Sweden, all practicing veterinarians suspecting an epizootic disease are obliged to report to the authorities, take samples, and initiate measures preventing spread of infection.

Previous international studies on epizootic diseases show that veterinarians’ duties towards society and public health might be in conflict with their duties toward human clients and animal patients, but there is no such research from Sweden.

The proposed study aims to explore Swedish livestock animal veterinarians’ understanding and management of epizootic disease threats focusing on how tensions and uncertainties are handled and how policies/preparedness plans are related to and used in practice.The project draws on material semiotics and veterinary work is conceptualised in terms of situated relational performances, which potentially are characterised by uncertainty and tensions.

Data consists of interviews with: 1) livestock veterinarians about their experiences from epizootic diseases, and 2) professionals from concerned authorities.

The project draws togheter sociology and veterinary science, and is a unique contribution to the research on contagious animal diseases.

It will produce new knowledge on veterinary professional practice, on management of infections threatening society, and the interaction between human and livestock health.