Participant information

Survey 1

Principal Investigator
Professor Marta Hernandez-Jover, BVSc, MSc, PhD. Professor Veterinary Epidemiology & Public Health, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Charles Sturt University. Gulbali Institute.
E: mhernandez-jover@csu.edu.au P: 02 6933 2086

Co-investigators
Dr Jennifer Manyweathers, Senior lecturer in Ruminant Health and Epidemiology. School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Charles Sturt University. Gulbali Institute.
Dr Jen Bond, Lecturer in Human Geography, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences. Charles Sturt University. Gulbali Institute.
Ms Lynne Hayes, Research Assistant, School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Charles Sturt University. Gulbali Institute.
Dr Andrew Docherty, Data Scientist, ExoFlare.
Mr Chris Aitken, Director, ExoFlare
Ms Yvonne Poon, Project Management, ExoFlare

You are invited to participate in a research study that is investigating how we can communicate animal health incidents to those best placed to respond. Please note that to participate in the research you must be over 18 years old.

The study is being conducted by the researchers listed at the top of this document who are affiliated with Charles Sturt University, the Gulbali Institute and ExoFlare.

Before you decide whether you wish to participate in this study, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take the time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish. We do expect that, if required, you will discuss your involvement in this research with your organisation/employer and obtain any necessary approvals.

What is the purpose of this study?
The research team has conducted previous research activities with livestock transporters that aimed to look at ways to improve the ability to manage existing risks and detect emerging biosecurity risks sooner. Through this we were able to capture current practices and beliefs, and the use of technology within the industry to help us
to understand the motivation and barriers to uptake of technology use in managing animal health incidents.

This next phase of the research will build upon what we learned from the previous phase with the aim of understanding how the use of different strategies can support improving livestock transporter’s ability to manage biosecurity risks.

Why have I been invited to participate in this study?
We are inviting participation from those who are involved in the transportation of livestock (cattle/sheep/pigs).

What does this study involve?
The study is looking at two particular activities associated with the transportation of livestock: the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and truck washing. We have developed separate surveys for these activities each of which will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.

The first stage of the study will be the completion of an online survey (baseline survey) to obtain a measure current engagement with the use of PPE and truck washing. We will be asking you to provide your contact details so that we can send you another short survey at a later date; approximately 5 months after the first survey.

ExoFlare will then implement a behaviour change pilot that aims to provide tools and information to support behaviours associated with the appropriate use of PPE and truck washing. This activity will be managed by ExoFlare and whilst part of the overall project plan, does not include members of the Charles Sturt University team.

The final stage of the study will be a second survey (endline survey). We will be asking for your name again so that we can match baseline and endline information, which will allow us to look at any changes that have come about as a result of the pilot.

Are there any risks and benefits to me in taking part in this study?
Participation in this study should involve no physical or mental discomfort. However, if as a result of participating in this research you feel you need support, please contact your usual health professionals. Support is also available from the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health 1800 011 511 or for immediate support, Lifeline 13 11 14.

How is this study being paid for?
Exoflare has sub-contracted Charles Sturt University to undertake research on risk communication regarding biosecurity in Australian meat industries, as part of a larger project Exoflare is implementing, funded by the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. This larger project commits Exoflare to develop an app for use in meat industries for biosecurity. As such, Exoflare has a commercial interest in this research.

Will taking part in this study cost me anything, and will I be paid?
Other than your time, there are no costs associated with participating in this research. As a token of our
appreciation, all participants who provide their contact details, will have the opportunity to go into a draw to win a $100 pre-paid Visa/Mastercard gift card. There will be one winner for each survey. If you would prefer not to enter the draw, please let us know.

What if I don’t want to take part in this study?
Participation in this research is entirely your choice. Only those people who give their informed consent will be included. Whether or not you decide to participate is your decision and will not disadvantage you. There are no consequences for those who decide not to participate.
If after completing the first survey you decide you would not like to participate in any further activities, you are under no obligation to do so.

What if I participate and want to withdraw later?
Given that we will be asking for your name, if you have provided this, we can withdraw your data up to 2 weeks after submission.

How will my confidentiality be protected?
You will not be identifiable in any reports or publications.
All information collected from you will be stored securely and only accessed by the researchers unless you consent otherwise.
Data will be retained for at least 5 years after final publication at Charles Sturt University, the Gulbali Institute, and Exoflare.

What will happen to the information that I give you?
The outcomes will be published in relevant reports and may also be published in appropriate scientific journals and/or presented at relevant conferences. Insights from this study may be used by ExoFlare to inform the design of future products in biosecurity management.

What should I do if I want to discuss this study further before I decide?
If you would like further information, please contact:
Lynne Hayes E: lhayes@csu.edu.au P: 02 6933 2802

Who should I contact if I have concerns about the conduct of this study?
Charles Sturt University’s Human Research Ethics Committee has approved this project. If you have any complaints or reservations about the ethical conduct of this project, you may contact the Committee on (02) 6933 4213 or ethics@csu.edu.au. Any issues you raise will be treated in confidence and investigated fully, and you will be informed of the outcome

Return to the survey

Survey 1: Piggery PPE  – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CSUPiggery

E: lhayes@csu.edu.au | https://science-health.csu.edu.au/schools/ag-environmental-vet
Charles Sturt University – TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018 (Australian University). CRICOS Provider: 00005F. ABN: 83 878 708 551