Psychological impact of foot-and-mouth disease on farmers

AbstractThe outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the United Kingdom during 2001 had devastating consequences on rural communities. The farming community was already under major stress from factors such as BSE and low incomes. This study aimed to investigate the psychological impact of the outbreak on farmers by comparing a badly affected area (Cumbria) with an unaffected area (Scottish Highlands), using the General Health Questionnaire. A second aim was to examine sources of psychological support that farmers had sought; and what other supports should be available. Farmers were contacted via a postal survey; the response rate was 29%. Cumbrian farmers obtained significantly higher scores than their Highland counterparts, although high levels of psychological morbidity were obtained in both samples. Farmers were more likely to turn to their own communities, and to veterinary surgeons, for support. Few would welcome more support from health or social work authorities, many preferring to use anonymous supports such as the internet or self help booklets. However in view of the low response rate, caution must be exercised in interpreting these results.