Is badger culling associated with risk compensation behaviour amongst farmers ?

Brunton, L. and Enticott, G. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5510-9597 2024. Is badger culling associated with risk compensation behaviour amongst farmers ? Veterinary Record

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Abstract

Background: Risk compensation theory suggests that behaviours are modified in response to interventions that remove risks by substituting them with other risky behaviours to maintain a risk equilibrium. Alternatively, risk reduction interventions may result in spill-over behaviours that seek to minimise risks further. In response to badger culling that seeks to remove the risk of bovine tuberculosis to cattle, this paper assesses evidence for these behavioural risk responses amongst farmers. Methods: Data from the Randomised badger culling trial was reanalysed, comparing farmers’ cattle movement practices in proactive and reactive culling areas, and control areas during and after the trial using zero-inflated negative binomial regression. Results: analysis found no strong evidence of risk compensation behaviours amongst farmers who experienced proactive culling. Strong evidence for a reduction in cattle movements in reactive culling areas was found. Results indicate high levels of inertia within farming systems in relation to cattle purchasing. Limitations: Data does not account for the risk of cattle purchases and reflects previous policy regimes. Evidence from recent badger culling interventions should be analysed. Conclusion: Proactive badger culling was not associated with risk compensation behaviours, whilst reactive badger culling was associated with decreased risk taking amongst farmers.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Geography and Planning (GEOPL)
Publisher:	Wiley
ISSN:	0042-4900
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	24 April 2024
Date of Acceptance:	5 April 2024
Last Modified:	30 Apr 2024 02:09
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/168313

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