Abstract

Biosecurity failures result in the spread of plant and animal diseases, threatening public health, economic stability, and food security worldwide. Thus, teaching effective biosecurity strategies to stakeholders throughout the food supply chain is imperative. African Swine Fever virus (ASFv) is a highly contagious disease that is testing the world's biosecurity standards. This study examined the instructional communication efforts in the United States' swine industry to promote biosecurity practices in response to ASFv. Fourteen research, veterinary, and extension specialists were interviewed to assess the swine industry's capacity to function as a Community of Practice charged with engaging in instructional communication to stop the spread of ASFv. Strategies were coded under the three major functions of Communities of Practice: shared repertoire, mutual engagement, and joint negotiation. Respondents indicated that a consistent instructional message is needed, but that message must be tailored to fit the size and available resources at a wide range of facilities. Although the goal of biosecurity remains the same, maintaining a line of separation between infected areas and uninfected areas, the means for achieving this goal may differ among locations and the instructional messages should reflect this variability. Implications for agricultural and crisis communication educators are also provided.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2020

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Sellnow, Timothy

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

Nicholson School of Communication and Media

Department

Communication

Degree Program

Communication; Mass Communication Track

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0007945; DP0023085

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0023085

Language

English

Release Date

May 2025

Length of Campus-only Access

5 years

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Campus-only Access)

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