Farmers' beliefs and voluntary vaccination schemes: Bluetongue in Dutch dairy cattle

Background This research utilizes the Reasoned Action Approach framework to study which beliefs drive the intention of farmers to participate in a voluntary vaccination scheme against Bluetongue. Scope and approach Knowing the driving beliefs can help in selecting an appropriate mix of policy instruments to enhance the participation rate and thereby improve the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of voluntary vaccination strategies. Results are used to evaluate the policy instruments used by the Dutch government in their 2008 vaccination strategy (communicative intervention and vaccine subsidization). Key findings and conclusions The paper posits that social interaction mechanisms, such as peer group pressure, might advance the design of voluntary vaccination strategies.