Abstract

This study used Adaptive Conjoint Analysis (ACA) to elicit opinion of veterinarians on risk factors for secondary out breaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza on open-sided chicken farms in Pakistan. A total of 21 risk factors (equivalent to attributes) were evaluated. Web-based ACA interview was administered to thirty-three local veterinarians. The response rate was 39%. Risk factors with highest mean relative importance were: short buffer distance between farms, entry of wild birds into poultry sheds visits of intermediaries and service providers, and sharing high- risk equipment. The paper provides a review of application of ACA as a tool for the elicitation of expert opinion in veterinary epidemiology.

Keywords: Conjoint analysis; Risk factors; Avian Influenza ;Secondary out breaks; Poultry ; Pakistan